Researchers Find Nose Cartilage Can Heal Knee Injuries
Knee injuries, often caused by falls during activities like running, skiing, or sports, can lead to long-term issues, including arthritis. However, a recent study suggests that the key to repairing damaged knees might lie in the nose. Researchers have discovered that cartilage from the nasal septum—the cartilage that divides the nostrils—could be used to repair even the most complex knee injuries, offering a potential breakthrough in treatment.
The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, highlights the unique qualities of nasal septum cartilage cells, which are particularly well-suited for cartilage regeneration. These cells not only help in cartilage growth but have also been shown to reduce inflammation in joints, a major concern in knee injuries.
Torn cartilage in the knee presents a long-term challenge for active individuals, as the tissue doesn’t regenerate on its own. The loss of cartilage can ultimately lead to arthritis. The new technique involves harvesting cells from the nasal septum, growing them in a lab on a scaffold made of soft fibers, and then implanting the newly formed cartilage into the knee joint.
In a clinical trial involving 98 patients from four countries, researchers compared two approaches: one where cartilage grafts were grown for two days before surgery, and another where the grafts matured for two weeks. Results indicated that both groups showed improvement, but the patients who received the more mature grafts had better outcomes. MRI scans showed that the mature grafts led to better tissue quality and even improved the surrounding natural cartilage. This technique proved especially beneficial for patients with larger injuries or those who had not found success with other treatments.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate how this method could help treat wear-and-tear arthritis, which is caused by the gradual deterioration of knee cartilage.
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