Nasal Cartilage Could Help Fix Knee Injuries and Prevent Arthritis, Study Finds!

A bad fall while running, skiing, or playing sports can lead to serious knee injuries, often increasing the risk of arthritis later in life. But a surprising new study suggests that the key to healing these injuries might be right under our noses—literally.

Researchers have found that cartilage from the nasal septum, the thin wall separating the left and right nostrils, can help repair damaged knee cartilage. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, shows that this technique could be a game-changer for those suffering from knee injuries.

Why Nasal Cartilage Works

Cartilage in the knee acts as a cushion between bones, but when it gets damaged, it doesn’t heal on its own. This can lead to chronic pain and arthritis. However, scientists have discovered that cartilage cells from the nose have special properties that make them ideal for regeneration.

“Nasal septum cartilage cells have characteristics that are ideally suited for cartilage regeneration,” said senior researcher Ivan Martin, head of biomedicine at the University of Basel in Switzerland. These cells can even help reduce inflammation in joints, making them an even better candidate for knee repair.

How the Procedure Works

The process begins with a small sample of cartilage taken from a patient’s nasal septum. These cells are then grown in a lab using a scaffold made of soft fibres. Over time, they develop into new cartilage, which is cut into the correct shape and implanted into the patient’s knee joint.

To test the effectiveness of this method, researchers conducted a clinical trial with 98 patients across four countries. They compared two types of grafts—one that was grown for only two days and another that matured for two weeks before being implanted.

What the Study Found

Both groups of patients showed improvements in knee function and overall well-being. However, those who received the more mature cartilage grafts had even better results. Their knees continued to improve in the second year after surgery, surpassing those who received the less mature grafts.

MRI scans revealed that the longer-grown cartilage grafts integrated better with the knee, even benefiting the surrounding natural cartilage.

“It is noteworthy that patients with larger injuries benefit from cartilage grafts with longer prior maturation periods,” said researcher Andrea Barbero from the University of Basel. This suggests that this method may be especially helpful for patients who have had unsuccessful cartilage treatments in the past.

A Possible Alternative to Knee Replacement?

The success of this study has encouraged researchers to explore whether the technique could be used to treat knee arthritis caused by cartilage wear and tear. If proven effective, this nasal cartilage procedure could offer an alternative to knee replacement surgery, providing a less invasive and more natural solution for patients with knee damage.

While further research is needed, these findings bring new hope for people struggling with knee injuries and arthritis, potentially offering a way to heal using their own cells—from an unexpected place.

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