1578 – Arthroscopic injection of a bioadhesive hydrogel implant (JointRep™), in conjunction with microfracture, for treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee

New application.

The JointRep™ device is an injectable sterile, non-pyrogenic, thermo-gel implant, with a glucosamine polysaccharide formulation that is used following bone-marrow stimulating arthroscopic surgery (microfracture). It is designed to fill and resurface cartilage defects. JointRep™ forms a scaffold in situ that provides support for progenitor cells. Microfracture arthroscopic surgery is an articular repair technique which requires creation of tiny fractures in the underlying bone (that allows entry of bone marrow cells into the vicinity of the defect). Normally an extended period of non-weightbearing (approximately 6-8 weeks) is required following surgery to protect the clot formed over the articular cartilage. However, if JointRep™ is implanted during the microfracture procedure, immediate post-operative weightbearing as tolerated (WBAT) is possible.

Type: Therapeutic medical service

Moderate to severe symptomatic focal osteochondral defects that have not been successfully treated with conservative therapy. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, locking, clicking or crepitus. Hyaline cartilage has no vasculature and has a very limited capacity for self-repair. Therefore, if the lesion is left untreated, there is likely progression to osteoarthritis and possible total knee replacement in later life.

• PASC meeting: 8 August 2019
• ESC meeting: 10 to 11 June 2021
• MSAC meeting: 29 to 30 July 2021