DHR Health Doctor First in the RGV to Perform MACI® Procedure

DHR Health is proud to announce that Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Daniel Romanelli, an expert in his field with over 24 years of experience and dual board certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, has successfully performed the first MACI® (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) procedure at DHR Health Brownsville hospital. In fact, Dr. Romanelli was the first orthopedic surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley to introduce this advanced cartilage repair treatment beginning in 2000. This milestone marks the first time the procedure has been conducted at DHR Health’s sister hospital located in Brownsville.

MACI® is considered a cutting-edge, autologous cellularized scaffold product designed to treat single or multiple symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects of the adult knee. The procedure involves harvesting the patient’s own cartilage cells, expanding them, and implanting them onto a membrane that is custom-sized and shaped to fit the defect. This technique allows for more precise and effective cartilage repair, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients suffering from knee cartilage damage.

“This is a significant advancement for orthopedic care in our region,” said Dr. Romanelli. “The MACI® procedure offers a highly personalized approach to cartilage repair, providing patients with a treatment option that is both innovative and effective. I am honored to bring this technology to Brownsville and to DHR Health, where we are committed to offering the latest and most effective treatments to patients of our community.”

The procedure is specifically indicated for adult patients with full-thickness cartilage defects in the knee, with or without bone involvement. However, its use is not without limitations. MACI® is not recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis, inflammatory joint diseases, or those who have had knee surgery within the past six months. Additionally, its safety and effectiveness in patients over the age of 55, or in joints other than the knee, have not been established.

Dr. Romanelli who has been performing the MACI® procedure for over two decades, emphasized the importance of careful patient selection and post-operative care to achieve the best outcomes.

“Each patient’s condition is unique, and I take great care in determining the most appropriate treatment plan. With MACI®, I am able to tailor the procedure to the specific needs of the patient, which can make a significant difference in their recovery and long-term knee function, said Dr. Romanelli.