Advanced Cartilage Repair Designed to Help You Stay Active
Knee cartilage damage can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced mobility, and difficulty participating in the activities you enjoy. CartiHeal® Agili-C™ is an innovative cartilage restoration technology designed to treat cartilage and underlying bone damage in the knee with a minimally invasive, single-stage approach.
Agili-C is designed to support the body’s natural healing response by promoting the growth of new cartilage and bone tissue over time. For active patients looking for an alternative to more extensive procedures or hoping to delay joint replacement surgery, Agili-C may provide an effective treatment option.
What Is CartiHeal® Agili-C™?
Agili-C is a unique, cell-free implant developed for the treatment of cartilage lesions and osteochondral defects in the knee. The implant is made from a porous calcium carbonate scaffold designed to encourage the body’s natural regenerative process.
Unlike some traditional cartilage restoration procedures that require harvesting cartilage cells or multiple surgeries, Agili-C is an off-the-shelf implant that can often be placed during a single surgical procedure.
The technology is designed to:
- Repair damaged cartilage
- Support bone regeneration beneath the cartilage surface
- Improve knee function and mobility
- Reduce pain associated with cartilage injuries
- Help patients return to an active lifestyle
Conditions Treated with Agili-C
Agili-C may be recommended for patients with:
- Focal cartilage defects
- Osteochondral lesions
- Knee cartilage injuries
- Sports-related cartilage damage
- Early degenerative cartilage changes
- Patellar cartilage injuries
- Trochlear lesions
- Cartilage defects associated with pain and swelling
Every patient is unique, and treatment recommendations depend on factors such as age, activity level, location of the defect, overall knee health, and previous treatments.
How the Agili-C Implant Works
The Agili-C implant acts as a scaffold within the damaged area of cartilage and bone. Once implanted, the porous structure is designed to support cellular activity and tissue regeneration.
Over time, the body works to:
- Generate new cartilage-like tissue
- Restore support beneath the cartilage surface
- Improve joint mechanics
- Enhance knee stability and function
Because the implant supports both cartilage and subchondral bone repair, it offers a comprehensive approach for certain cartilage injuries.
Benefits of CartiHeal® Agili-C™
Patients may benefit from several advantages associated with Agili-C technology, including:
- Single-Stage Procedure: Unlike some cartilage restoration techniques that require multiple procedures, Agili-C can often be completed in one surgery.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: The implant is commonly placed arthroscopically or through a minimally invasive surgical technique.
- No Cell Harvesting Required: Agili-C does not typically require harvesting or culturing a patient’s cartilage cells.
- Designed for Active Patients: The procedure may help active individuals return to sports, exercise, work, and daily activities.
- Treats Cartilage and Bone Damage: The implant is specifically designed to address both cartilage injury and underlying bone involvement.
- Potential Alternative to Joint Replacement: For select patients, Agili-C may help delay or reduce the need for knee replacement surgery.
Who May Be a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for CartiHeal Agili-C if you:
- Have persistent knee pain from cartilage damage
- Experience swelling, locking, or limited motion
- Have failed conservative treatments such as physical therapy or injections
- Want to remain active and preserve your natural knee joint
- Have focal cartilage damage rather than advanced end-stage arthritis
A comprehensive evaluation including imaging studies and a physical examination is necessary to determine whether Agili-C is appropriate for your condition.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The Agili-C procedure is typically performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques. During surgery:
- The damaged cartilage and bone area are prepared.
- The implant is sized to fit the defect.
- The Agili-C scaffold is placed securely into the treatment area.
- The implant supports the body’s healing response over time.
The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing many patients to return home the same day.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery following cartilage restoration is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome.
Recovery plans may include:
- Physical therapy
- Gradual return to weight-bearing activities
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Strengthening programs
- Activity modification during healing
Recovery timelines vary depending on the size and location of the cartilage defect, associated procedures, and patient goals.
Schedule a Consultation
If knee cartilage pain is limiting your ability to stay active, CartiHeal® Agili-C™ may be an advanced treatment option worth considering. Our team provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans designed to help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Agili-C cartilage restoration may be right for you.
