{"id":79859,"date":"2025-01-15T10:18:37","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T17:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=79859"},"modified":"2025-04-09T16:32:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T22:32:25","slug":"army-veteran-knee-pain-relieved-by-cartilage-restoration-surgery-maci-procedure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/army-veteran-knee-pain-relieved-by-cartilage-restoration-surgery-maci-procedure\/","title":{"rendered":"Steps toward a better future: How cartilage restoration surgery restored this Army veteran\u2019s mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
\"Years
Years of wear and tear finally took its toll on Andrew Usner\u2019s knee. A new surgical procedure, along with a positive outlook and family support put him on the road to recovery. Photo by UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Andrew Usner, a military veteran and nursing student at Colorado State University Pueblo, experienced knee pain that significantly impacted his daily life.<\/p>\n

He previously served in the Army Reserves as a mechanic for five years, moved to Fort Carson and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2016. Following his discharge, Usner and his wife, Charissa, stayed in Colorado, where he worked at the Pueblo Chemical Depot and the federal prison complex. He used the GI Bill to pursue a degree in nursing at Colorado State University Pueblo.<\/p>\n

Years of weightlifting and physical demands from military service contributed to his deteriorating condition. Then during a seemingly innocuous light jog, his pain became particularly noticeable.<\/p>\n

The knee pain caused Usner to lose the ability to lift between 100 to 200 pounds during his usual weightlifting squat exercise in the gym. \u201cI knew that something was wrong. I went to multiple doctors, and they were pretty much like, \u2018You’re fine, let\u2019s put a brace on it, you know. Don’t worry about it.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite multiple medical consultations, including physical therapy, his condition did not improve. Eventually, an MRI revealed severe focal cartilage loss, leading him to meet Dr. Benjamin Kam<\/a> to discuss treatment options, including the MACI<\/a> (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) procedure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I saw Andrew\u2019s MRI results, it was clear that he was dealing with a significant focal cartilage defect,\u201d Kam said. \u201cGiven his age, activity level, and overall health, he was an ideal candidate for MACI.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Andrew
Andrew Usner looks forward to a full recovery with the support of his wife, Charissa, and son, Sidney. Photo by UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Usner agreed to surgery, understanding it could provide long-term relief and reduce the likelihood of additional surgeries in the future. The catch: not everyone is an ideal candidate for a MACI procedure, and it requires more than one surgery.\u00a0 The first surgery determines whether the damage can be fixed in this way, with a follow-on surgery to complete the cartilage implantation.<\/p>\n

\"Knee
Knee MRI scan noting full thickness missing cartilage segment. Photo by UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cDr. Kam really walked me through the process,\u201d Usner said. \u201cI trusted his recommendation, and it made sense for my situation. As a nurse, I\u2019ll be on my feet all day long. I wanted a solution that keeps me mobile and without pain for as long as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

The MACI procedure: First of its kind in Pueblo<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kam explained that the MACI procedure involves harvesting cartilage cells from the patient\u2019s body and cultivating them in a laboratory. These cells are later re-implanted into the damaged area to encourage cartilage regeneration.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re essentially using the patient\u2019s own cells to repair the damage,\u201d Kam said. \u201cThis is one of only a few techniques proven to regrow your body\u2019s own cartilage back into your knee joint \u2014robust enough that you can eventually return to sporting activity.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first stage of the procedure involves arthroscopic surgery to extract a small piece of cartilage, which is sent to a specialized lab for culturing. After several weeks of growth, the cultivated cells are embedded onto a collagen membrane and prepared for the second surgery. In the second stage, the prepared matrix is implanted into the affected area, where it integrates with surrounding tissue.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Usner\u2019s first surgery occurred in October 2024 with the second surgery occurring in December 2024. Both procedures were conducted at <\/span>UCHealth Parkview Pueblo West hospital<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew\u2019s commitment to following all post-surgical protocols was also critical,\u201dKam emphasized. \u201cThe success of MACI relies heavily on the patient\u2019s rehabilitation efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staying motivated through rehabilitation and recovery after MACI<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The recovery process after MACI involves gradual rehabilitation to ensure the implanted cartilage integrates properly. Following surgery, Usner used a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine to gently move his knee, maintaining mobility and promoting cell growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was tough at first,\u201d Usner said. \u201cThe CPM machine kept my knee moving, but it was a constant reminder to be patient with the process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Weight-bearing restrictions and structured physical therapy were also part of the recovery plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe key is controlled movement,\u201d Kam said. \u201cWe want the new cartilage cells to adapt to their environment without being overloaded too quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Dr.
Dr. Benjamin Kam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Usner credits his wife\u2019s unwavering support as crucial to the first stages of the recovery process.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy wife, Charissa, has been great dealing with essentially two kids at this point \u2014 taking care of me and my 2-year-old son, Sidney,\u201d Usner joked. \u201cShe\u2019s been very kind and supportive and instrumental in helping me stay on track. She’s starting to let me test my limits a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout his recovery, Usner looks toward achieving significant milestones, including regaining increased range of motion and progressing to partial weight-bearing. By the spring semester, he anticipates walking unaided.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing progress, even small wins like bending my knee further, keeps me motivated,\u201d Usner remarked.<\/p>\n

Full recovery is expected to take up to a year, with gradual improvements over time. Usner\u2019s focus remains on returning to activities like weightlifting and enjoying outdoor time with his family.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead and optimistic for a future free of knee pain<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The MACI procedure has already alleviated some of Usner\u2019s pain, and he sees improvement to his knee function. These improvements have enabled him to concentrate on his nursing studies and prepare for a physically demanding career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful for the care I received,\u201d Usner said. \u201cAs the cartilage heals and I get stronger, I expect to see a significant difference in my quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kam highlighted the broader implications of Usner\u2019s success. \u201cStories like Andrew\u2019s show what is possible with advancements in orthopedic surgery. It\u2019s rewarding to see patients regain their mobility and return to the activities they enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

A national survey<\/a> highlighted the significant impact of knee pain on patients’ lives. The survey revealed that nearly three in five (57%) patients have experienced knee pain for more than five years, and almost one-third (32%) have had knee pain for more than 10 years.\u00a0Long-term arthritic pain can have widespread consequences on patients\u2019 mental health and social life.<\/p>\n

Kam and the UCHealth Parkview Pueblo West team provided comprehensive care throughout the process.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the hospital staff, nurses, offsite lab technicians growing the cartilage cells to our local physical therapists guiding rehabilitation, every step along the path matters,\u201d Kam said.<\/p>\n

Physical therapists and support staff will work closely with Usner to monitor his progress and adjust his rehabilitation program as needed. UCHealth\u2019s Parkview facilities and resources ensure a seamless experience from initial consultation to recovery.<\/p>\n

Usner\u2019s experience highlights the potential benefits of MACI for patients with similar conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cProcedures like MACI can provide meaningful solutions for those dealing with cartilage damage,\u201d Kam added. \u201cIt\u2019s important to seek expert guidance and consider all available options.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usner\u2019s journey through the MACI procedure demonstrates the effectiveness of new, modern cartilage repair techniques. With careful planning, dedicated support, and a commitment to recovery, Usner has taken significant steps toward regaining his mobility and achieving his personal and professional goals.<\/p>\n

To learn more about MACI or schedule a consultation, visit\u00a0 UCHealth Orthopedics<\/a>\u00a0or call their office at 719-595-7780.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Andrew Usner, a military veteran and nursing student at Colorado State University Pueblo, experienced knee pain that significantly impacted his daily life. He previously served in the Army Reserves as a mechanic for five years, moved to Fort Carson and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2016. 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