Autologous Tenocyte Implantation

What is Autologous Tenocyte Implantation?

Autologous Tenocyte Implantation (ATI) is a cutting-edge regenerative therapy designed to treat chronic tendon injuries. This procedure involves harvesting a small sample of a patient’s own tendon cells (tenocytes), expanding them in a laboratory, and then re-implanting them into the damaged tendon to promote healing and repair.

Why Use Autologous Tenocyte Implantation?

Chronic tendon injuries, such as tendinopathies, often fail to heal on their own due to poor blood supply and ongoing mechanical stress. As tendinopathy progresses to a later and more degenerative phase, the damaged tendon frequently develops an intrasubstance tear and this loss of fibre continuity limits the ability of a tendon to strengthen in response to rehabilitation. ATI offers a solution by replenishing damaged tendons with healthy, autologous tenocytes implanted directly into the tendon defect/tear, thus enhancing their ability to regenerate and regain strength.

Conditions Treated with ATI

Autologous tenocyte implantation is may be beneficial for managing chronic tendon injuries in situations where there is an associated intrasubstance tendon tear/defect, including:

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Gluteal Tendinopathy
Other Chronic Tendon Injuries

Benefits of Autologous Tenocyte Implantation

Harnesses the Body’s Own Cells: Uses patient-derived tenocytes to stimulate natural healing.
Promotes Tendon Regeneration: Enhances tendon strength and function.
Long-Term Pain Relief: Provides lasting improvements in pain and mobility.
Minimally Invasive Alternative: Reduces the need for surgery in chronic cases.
Supports a Full Return to Activity: Helps athletes and active individuals regain function.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Initial Consultation: Our doctors assess your condition and determine if ATI is suitable.
Tendon Biopsy: A small tendon sample is taken from a non-injured area. This is usually from the patellar tendon.
Cell Cultivation: The harvested tenocytes are grown in a controlled laboratory setting.
Ultrasound-Guided Injection: The cultivated cells are precisely injected into the damaged tendon.
Post-Procedure Care: Patients follow a tailored rehabilitation program to facilitate recovery and optimize outcomes.

OUR APPROACH

1

ASSESSMENT

A thorough evaluation is conducted to determine if ATI is the best treatment option for your condition.

2

HARVESTING

A small sample of tendon tissue is extracted under local anesthesia.

3

LAB EXPANSION

The extracted tenocytes are cultivated in a lab over several weeks to increase their number.

4

IMPLANTATION

Once ready, the tenocyte-rich solution is re-injected into the injured tendon using ultrasound guidance..

5

MONITORING

We track patient progress and adjust treatment strategies as needed to achieve the best outcomes.

Book your assessment today

Autologous Tenocyte Implantation may be an innovative and highly effective treatment for chronic tendon injuries that have not responded to conventional therapies. By utilizing a patient’s own cells, ATI promotes natural tendon repair and long-term recovery. If you suffer from persistent tendon pain, consult our doctors to explore whether ATI is the right treatment for you.

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