What if we told you your nose could help heal your knee? Scientists are developing cartilage implants using cells from a surprising source: the patient’s own nasal septum.
Using nasal septum cells to restore mobility
For years, a research team led by Professor Ivan Martin, Dr. Marcus Mumme, and Professor Andrea Barbero has been refining a technique to repair damaged cartilage using cells from the nasal septum.
The process begins with extracting a small sample of cartilage from the patient’s nose. These cells are then multiplied in a lab and placed onto a soft fiber scaffold, where they grow into new cartilage tissue.
Once the engineered cartilage reaches the required size and shape, it is implanted into the damaged knee joint, giving patients a second chance at mobility and an active lifestyle.