Patients May Avoid Arthritis and Potential Knee Replacement with Beacon Orthopaedics’ MACI Treatment

September 27, 2024

Patients suffering from chronic knee pain now have a promising option to delay arthritis and potentially avoid knee replacement surgery. Dr. Robert Pettit, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, performs an innovative cartilage restoration procedure called Matrix Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI). This cutting-edge treatment utilizes a patient’s own cartilage cells to repair damaged tissue, offering hope to younger patients with cartilage injuries.

Dr. Pettit’s personal experience with orthopedics began at age 12 when he was diagnosed with Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans (JOCD), a rare condition affecting the bone beneath the cartilage in both knees. The disorder, which can lead to early arthritis, requires multiple surgeries. Despite the challenges, Dr. Pettit went on to play football for Saint Xavier High School and was a member of the Bomber’s 2005 state championship team. His recovery sparked his desire to become an orthopedic surgeon.

“After several surgeries and phenomenal care, I was able to return to football. That experience shaped my life and career,” Dr. Pettit said.

Now, Dr. Pettit is bringing that same dedication to his patients, offering MACI as a solution for those facing knee pain, swelling, and loss of function due to cartilage damage. The procedure mainly benefits patients in their 20s to 40s, with some older individuals also seeing success.

“The MACI procedure allows patients to maintain an active lifestyle, prevent arthritis progression, and, in many cases, avoid knee replacement surgery,” Dr. Pettit explained. “Patients can often return to their normal activities within three to six months.”

The MACI procedure involves harvesting a small sample of the patient’s cartilage—about the size of two Tic-Tacs—from the knee. This sample is sent to a lab where the cartilage cells are cultured and grown over several weeks. Once the new cells are ready, they are implanted back into the knee, regenerating damaged cartilage.

Dr. Pettit likened the process to repairing a road: “It’s like filling a pothole. We’re replacing the damaged tissue with new, healthy cartilage that can restore the knee’s function.”

MACI offers a faster recovery compared to traditional treatments, with patients experiencing less stiffness, quicker return of motion, and a shorter rehabilitation period. “This procedure provides a reliable, long-lasting solution for many of my patients,” he said. “For those younger, active individuals, it’s often the gold standard.”

One of the critical indicators for a MACI evaluation is persistent knee pain or swelling, particularly after activities such as jogging or walking. “If you notice stiffness or swelling that lasts more than 24 hours and impacts your ability to move normally, it’s worth seeking an evaluation,” Dr. Pettit advised.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Pettit has extensive experience treating athletes at all levels, including professional, collegiate, and high school sports. He completed a Sports Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the renowned Beth Israel New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, where he served as an assistant team physician for the Boston Celtics and Merrimack College’s Division I teams. Dr. Pettit is a team physician for the Cincinnati Reds, Florence Y’alls, and Clark Montessori High School.

With a career rooted in personal and professional experiences, Dr. Pettit continues to advance the field of orthopedic surgery, helping his patients stay active and avoid major surgeries like knee replacements.