SCP® Procedure

Bone marrow lesions (sometimes called Bone Marrow Oedema) are small defects typically found in subchondral bone, the region below the thicker cortical bone near your joint surface. They can only be seen on MRI scans.

Bone marrow lesions represent a healing response surrounding small defects in the subchondral bone, such as micro trabecular fractures. For that reason, the lesions can also be referred to as insufficiency fractures. They can be found near any joint that sees weight-bearing or repetitive motion stress.

In some cases, BML defects are a result of a bone injury that doesn’t heal properly. In other cases, BML may be a stress reaction that forms from overuse or poor joint mechanics. Obesity and poor diet are thought to increase the likelihood of developing BML.

• BML is more commonly found in middle-aged patients than in younger patients
• Patients with poor joint alignment are more likely to develop BML
• Adults who quickly increase activity may develop BML

If you have a defect in the bone adjacent to your joint called a chronic Bone Marrow Lesion (BML) you may be a candidate for this treatment. Many surgeons believe that chronic BML will not heal without intervention. Your knee surgeon can tell you if you have this condition.It’s important to discuss treatment options and potential risks with your knee surgeon. It is important that you fully understand all risks and benefits before making a decision to have surgery. Only your doctor can tell you if The Subchondroplasty® Procedure may be right for you. As with every surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications. Individual results may vary. Success depends on factors such as age, weight and activity level.

The SCP® Procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that targets and fills chronic subchondral defects sometimes referred to as BML.During the procedure, your surgeon will use fluoroscopy (intraoperative X-ray) to place a small, drillable cannula in the area of the bone defect. Your surgeon will then deliver AccuFill® Bone Substitute Material (BSM) into the defect, where it hardens with properties that mimic your cancellous bone. During the healing process, the AccuFill® BSM is resorbed and is replaced with new bone.

A recent clinical study looked at 164 patients that underwent the Subchondroplasty procedure and all patients reported improved pain after the procedure, while 75% reported very little to no pain. Though results may vary, it is very promising thus far.