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.

Nonprofit Common Grace Works with Children in At-risk Situations

Since 2011, Dr. John Frauens has volunteered his time as an orthopedic consultant for the Corrections Division of the State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Based in Honolulu, he provides orthopedic consultations to inmates throughout the state. Dr. John Frauens also sits on the board of directors for Common Grace, which pairs grade schools with nearby Christian churches to mentor children who are considered highly vulnerable.

Common Grace is a nonprofit organization that currently serves 21 elementary schools and about 150 students throughout the state of Hawaii. The children served by the organization face challenges, such as incarcerated parents and homelessness. Mentors meet with students identified by the program at the child’s school one hour once per week. Supported by the State of Hawaii’s Department of Education Superintendent, the organization received accolades in 2007 with a Partnership in Education Award.

In February 2015, Common Grace reported that one of the local churches branched out beyond its Common Grace partnership to begin offering a Parachute Club, which meets outside of school. Adult volunteers assisted with the gathering, which demonstrated new heights of community involvement for the church. While at the City Church, children enjoyed a Chinese noodle dinner, sang religious songs, and enjoyed a skit about David and Goliath. Common Grace wholeheartedly supported the church's outreach efforts in its write-up of the event.