Autologous Cultured Cartilage Transplantation for Joint Repair【Kameda Medical Center】

implementation facility

Facility Details

Dr. Kato

Surgery

Exterior view of Kameda General Hospital

Dr. Kato

Surgery

Exterior view of Kameda General Hospital

program name: Autologous Cultured Cartilage Transplantation for Joint Repair【Kameda Medical Center】

genre

program details: At our hospital, we offer cutting-edge knee treatment using cultured cartilage approved by Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).
This product, known as JACC (JAC), is manufactured by J-TEC in accordance with GCTP (Good Gene, Cellular, and Tissue-based Products Manufacturing Practice) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

We provide interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese to ensure that patients can receive treatment without language concerns.

Grounded in Japan’s dedication to precision and advanced technology, we aim to deliver care that not only relieves pain but also empowers patients to take a positive step toward their future.

Our mission is to bring Japan’s world-class medical technology and hospitality to patients around the globe who suffer from knee pain.

requirement, condition for apply: ■ Required Medical Information for Eligibility Assessment:

MRI of the knee

Full-length X-ray of the lower limbs

BMI

Level of independence in daily life (patients who cannot go out without assistance are not eligible)

Treatment history (e.g., intra-articular fractures, ACL reconstruction, meniscectomy)

■ Treatment Duration:
A strict treatment schedule over a total of two months is required, based on the cell culture timeline (see process flow).

Cartilage harvesting (arthroscopic surgery, approx. 30 minutes): 4 days / 3 nights hospital stay

Cell culture period: 4 weeks (patients may return home during this period)

Cartilage transplantation (open knee surgery, approx. 2 hours): 4 weeks hospitalization including rehabilitation
It takes 1–2 years for the transplanted cartilage to fully mature. Return to sports is targeted around 1 year postoperatively, depending on muscle strength recovery.

precaution, contraindication: Caution:
Please note that cartilage transplantation may be canceled under the following circumstances:

If allergy testing reveals a positive reaction to beef or atelocollagen after cartilage tissue has already been collected

If the cultured cartilage cells fail to proliferate adequately or lack sufficient function during the cultivation process

If contamination such as mold or bacteria is detected during the cell culture process

If a fever or other condition arises that makes surgery unsafe at the time of transplantation

Contraindications:

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to gentamicin, amphotericin B, or aminoglycoside antibiotics

Patients with a positive skin test for atelocollagen or a positive allergy test for beef

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to animals such as cattle or pigs

Patients with autoimmune diseases or a history of autoimmune diseases

Patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to atelocollagen

remarks: Target Conditions:
Osteoarthritis of the knee, osteochondritis dissecans, cartilage defects of the knee joint, osteonecrosis

Treatment Area:
Knee

Features:
Our hospital offers treatment for cartilage defects using autologous cultured cartilage transplantation, a procedure approved by Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).
Rather than relying solely on MRI-based diagnosis of cartilage damage, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of each patient’s knee joint condition—considering underlying causes such as lower limb alignment abnormalities or meniscus injuries—to develop an optimal treatment plan tailored to the individual.

Surgical procedures are performed by highly experienced surgeons who have conducted the highest number of these operations in Japan, using state-of-the-art techniques to achieve extremely high precision in cartilage transplantation.
Through meticulous and delicate surgical methods, we aim to maximize graft retention, promote early recovery, and improve long-term joint function.

We also provide comprehensive postoperative support, including rehabilitation and lifestyle guidance, to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.