in_the_media

TUH orthopedic surgeon provides expert commentary

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Researchers are regrowing cartilage in the lab, which could lead to better treatments for patients with knee injuries. Cartilage is composed of cells called chondrocytes. The team grows chondrocytes from bone-marrow-derived adult stem cells, embedded in a gel of hyaluronic acid — a growth-promoting molecule in natural cartilage. Eric Kropf, an orthopedic surgeon at Temple University Hospital, says this technique likely won't apply to pervasive cartilage damage, but he sees promise for contained injuries that can be plugged by the gel.