Cartilage damage is one of the most common and difficult-to-treat orthopaedic issues. Unlike other tissues, articular cartilage lacks its own blood supply, which makes self-repair extremely limited. However, regenerative medicine is transforming that narrative—with promising developments in biologic therapies and minimally invasive interventions.
At RegenU, we’re guided by the latest clinical research to deliver cutting-edge, evidence-based care for cartilage repair. Much of this is supported by research from Australian orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Gordon Slater, whose work explores new frontiers in biologics, joint preservation, and cellular therapies.
Understanding the Challenge of Cartilage Repair
Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones in joints, allowing smooth, frictionless movement. But when it’s damaged—whether from trauma, degeneration, or overuse—the healing response is poor due to the lack of blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
Left untreated, cartilage lesions can progress to osteoarthritis, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
Traditional treatment options include:
- Corticosteroid injections
- Visco supplementation
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Joint replacement surgery (for advanced cases)
While these interventions may relieve symptoms, they often don’t restore cartilage. That’s where regenerative medicine comes in.
What the Research Shows
Dr. Gordon Slater’s research (2022) highlights a paradigm shift in orthopaedic care: from managing pain to regenerating tissue. His literature review on articular cartilage outlines several emerging methods for cartilage restoration.
1. Biologic Scaffolds
Scaffolds act as a framework for new tissue growth. When implanted into cartilage defects, these biomaterials (e.g., collagen, hyaluronic acid) support cell adhesion and extracellular matrix production, creating a microenvironment conducive to regeneration (Slater, G., 2022).
2. Growth Factor Therapy
Growth factors like TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta) and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) are natural proteins that stimulate chondrocyte activity and matrix synthesis. They are often delivered via platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or concentrated biologic injections (Slater, G., 2019).
3. Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy
MSCs have the capacity to differentiate into chondrocytes (cartilage cells), offering a potential cure rather than just symptom management. These cells are harvested from a patient’s own bone marrow or adipose tissue and injected directly into the joint. Studies show MSC therapy can improve cartilage quality, reduce pain, and slow osteoarthritis progression (McIntyre et al., 2018).
How RegenU Applies This Research
At RegenU, we apply these research-backed strategies in real-world, patient-first settings.
We offer:
- PRP and Cellular Therapies – to deliver growth factors and stimulate healing
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) – to enhance oxygenation and cell function
- Digital imaging – to track improvements in cartilage integrity and joint function
This integrative approach mirrors the clinical direction advocated by Dr. Slater (2020), who supports using biologics alongside lifestyle and rehabilitation interventions to delay the need for surgical intervention.
The Future of Joint Repair
Ongoing trials and systematic reviews suggest regenerative therapies may soon be considered first-line treatments for early-stage cartilage injury and degeneration (Ha et al., 2019). The long-term goal is not just symptom relief—but to preserve native joint structures and functionality.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns regarding your individual health.
References
Ha, C. W., Park, Y. B., Kim, S. H., & Lee, H. J. (2019). Stem cell therapy for articular cartilage repair: A review. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 27(2), 453–471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-018-5198-0
McIntyre, J. A., Jones, I. A., Han, B., Vangsness Jr, C. T. (2018). Intra-articular mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the human joint: A systematic review. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(14), 3550–3563. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546517735844
Slater, G. (2019). Growth factors and articular cartilage rejuvenation: Where are we up to? ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338019677
Slater, G. (2020). Biologics and delaying the effects of ageing: Applications in dentistry. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362785388
Slater, G. (2022). Articular cartilage: A literature review. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360477278
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