Porcátültetés

Porcátültetés, also known as cartilage transplantation or chondrocyte implantation, is a surgical procedure used to repair damaged articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing them to glide over each other with minimal friction. Damage to this cartilage, often caused by injury or degeneration, can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced function.

There are several techniques for porcátültetés, but a common approach involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells (chondrocytes) from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient's own joint. These cells are then cultured and multiplied in a laboratory over several weeks. In a subsequent procedure, a small defect in the damaged cartilage is prepared, and the cultured chondrocytes are implanted into the defect, often contained by a membrane or matrix. The goal is for these new cells to proliferate and form new cartilage tissue, restoring the smooth surface of the joint.

Porcátültetés is typically considered for focal cartilage defects in younger, active individuals where other treatments have failed. It is not a universal solution for all types of arthritis. The success of the procedure depends on various factors, including the size and location of the defect, the patient's overall health, and post-operative rehabilitation. Recovery can be lengthy, requiring careful management to promote optimal healing and regain joint function.