2024-10-18 12:48:00
In a revolutionary progress for regenerative medicinethe first operation in Latin America using autologous chondrocyte implantation (ICC) was performed in Argentina. This technique, which allows the complete regeneration of the articular cartilagewas applied in May 2024 to a 34-year-old patient with a severe knee injury, marking a milestone in the region.
“Being able to perform this procedure in Argentina is the result of hard work and dedication. We have been preparing for four years to carry out this technique, with the aim of placing our country in line with the main European centers of regenerative medicine”, underlined Dr. Mariela Guasti (MN 141.671), pioneer doctor and expert in medicine regenerative, with an exceptional track record in developing innovative therapies for muscle and joint regeneration.
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The first patient operated on in the country had a Osteochondral lesion of the left kneewhich caused chronic pain and inability to perform daily activities. Today the patient is in the rehabilitation process, without pain and headed towards the sports discharge. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of CCI not only in high-performance athletes, but also in patients with joint injuries that do not respond to other treatments.
The ICC technique, a revolution for articular cartilage
ICC, developed in 2010 by Dr. Pedro Guillén at the Cemtro Clinic in Madrid, uses cells from the patient’s cartilage to regenerate the affected areas, especially in joints such as knees, ankles and hips. This process involves removing a small sample of cartilage through an arthroscopic biopsy, which is then cultured and expanded in a controlled environment. After a period of 4 to 6 weeks, the regenerated cells are implanted into the joint, using a bioabsorbable membrane that integrates into the tissue.
The procedure is performed in two surgical stages:
- First, a biopsy of the patient’s cartilage is performed
- A few weeks later, the implant is performed.
Initial recovery allows patients to resume their daily activities in the first three months, while recovery is complete It is estimated between 9 and 12 months. This process not only immediately relieves pain, but also completely regenerates the cartilage, without risk of cell rejection or differentiation.
Application beyond athletes
Although initially developed with elite athletes in mind, the ICC technique has been shown to be effective for any patient between the ages of 11 and 60 with articular cartilage problems. Unlike other techniques that repair healed cartilage, ICC regenerates the native cartilage, restoring its structure and functionality without leaving marks. The joints that benefit most from this technique are the knees, ankles and hips, where cartilage problems are usually more common due to the load they bear.
An additional advantage that this cell therapy incorporates is the possibility of preserving cartilage.
Currently, Argentina is the only country in Latin America to offer ICC, which positions the country at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Even if a small part of the cell culture process It is still carried out in Spain, future plans include carrying out the entire process locally, which will allow the region to access this technology without depending on other international centres.
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