1578 - Arthroscopic injection of a bioadhesive hydrogel implant (JointRep™), in conjunction with microfracture, for treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee

Page last updated: 19 October 2021

Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

The JointRep™ device is an injectable sterile, non-pyrogenic, thermo-gel implant, with a glucosamine polysaccharide formulation that is used following bone-marrow stimulating arthroscopic surgery (microfracture). It is designed to fill and resurface cartilage defects. JointRep™ forms a scaffold in situ that provides support for progenitor cells. Microfracture arthroscopic surgery is an articular repair technique which requires creation of tiny fractures in the underlying bone (that allows entry of bone marrow cells into the vicinity of the defect). Normally an extended period of non-weightbearing (approximately 6-8 weeks) is required following surgery to protect the clot formed over the articular cartilage. However, if JointRep™ is implanted during the microfracture procedure, immediate post-operative weightbearing as tolerated (WBAT) is possible.

Description of Medical Condition

Moderate to severe symptomatic focal osteochondral defects that have not been successfully treated with conservative therapy. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, locking, clicking or crepitus. Hyaline cartilage has no vasculature and has a very limited capacity for self-repair. Therefore, if the lesion is left untreated, there is likely progression to osteoarthritis and possible total knee replacement in later life.

Reason for Application

New application

Medical Service Type

Therapeutic medical service

Previous Application Number/s

Not applicable

Associated Documentation

Application Form

Application Form (PDF 997 KB)
Application Form (Word 128 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 491 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 70 KB)

PICO Confirmation

PICO Confirmation (PDF 1305 KB)
PICO Confirmation (Word 231 KB)

Assessment Report

-

Public Summary Document

Public Summary Document (PDF 624 KB)
Public Summary Document (Word 163 KB)

Meetings for this Application

PASC

8 August 2019

ESC

10-11 June 2021

MSAC

29-30 July 2021