Artificial Cartilage Treatment for Knee Problems

Backed by more than three decades of clinical experience as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. John Frauens consults with the Hawaii Department of Public Safety to guide patient care for the state’s incarcerated population under the Division of Corrections. Dr. John Frauens also founded the medical device company SoftJoint, which specializes in developing synthetic cartilage for joint replacements. 

Knee replacements are becoming one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. While effective, the procedure is extremely invasive, and many patients would prefer more moderate treatment options. New advances in artificial cartilage may provide an alternative to complete joint replacement. 

Rather than removing the entire joint, medical researchers are investigating methods that replace worn cartilage with plastic or gel inserts that cushion the knee joint and reduce pain. Due to the complication of replicating all of the characteristics of human cartilage, many of these alternatives are still in the trial phase. However, results have been promising, and researchers are getting closer to creating a robust substitute for cartilage.