I may need to replace my cartilage in my knee but i cant afford it.?

Question

my knee is c**p right now and i think its because I'm losing my cartilage.

i think its because of skateboarding. anyway it supposivly cost about 40,000 buckos to replace my cartilage with "my" cartilage so as to not risk my body rejecting it. buut i cant afford that.

would it be possible and/or cheaper to just replace my knee bones with metal ones? and would that work out ok with my skateboarding?

Answer 1

Go to England and NHS will help :P Dunno if you could do that

Answer 2

I think you are referring to autologous chondrocyte implantation, which has been approved by the FDA for use only by the Genzyme corporation.

This is a costly procedure because it invovles "growing" seeder cartilage in a lab environment and then implanting them back in your knee.  

Knee cap replacement alone is mute, as there still would be no cartiliage for the knee to function correctly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_Cartil...

Answer 3

If you have been banging up your knees over tie, you probably have lost portions of your cartilage.  If your knees hurt when you are standing, walking, etc, but not so much in the morning before you get out of bed... you probably are developing osteoarthritis which is a fancy way of saying inflammation of the bony portions of specific joints.

The concern is that with continued wear and tear, the pain will get worse and you will lose mobility in your knees.

Currently, the two most common options are (1) injections of viscous material (Synvisc, etc) to add cushion to the knees or (2) knee replacement surgery.  For most that still have good mobility and aren't (personally) ready for knee replacement, I suggest the injections.  They are temporary and may only last 6 months with high wear and tear  In others, they may last for several years.  It just depends on the individual.

A third option, which you alluded to, is more like a cartilage transplant... from one area of your knee to the thin areas with the hopes that it will spread and grow.  Very cutting edge and the success rate you should definitely ask about.

Your first step though...  go to your doctor and have your knee assessed.  It is important to know how good... or bad they are, how much joint space is left and if there is any bony degradation.  These are all important factors in reviewing your options.

I hope this info helps.   Peace