SPORTS SURGERY AND THE LIMITS

Medical procedures on the horizon or available now could redefine the ageing process in sport

a. 3D-printed cartilage

The same characteristic of cartilage that makes it slow to repair itself – a paucity of blood vessels – makes it relatively easy to 3D print. The first clinical applications are only a few years off.

b. Repairing ACLS

Replacing a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a graft has been the orthopaedic standard for decades. But a new procedure that uses a blood-soaked bridge to promote healing may soon make repair a better option than replacement.

c. Autologous stem cell therapy

Research suggests injections of your own stem cells are effective in treating degenerative shoulder problems such as osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears.

d. Total hip replacement

By minimising damage to muscles, the increasingly popular anterior-entry technique has reduced recovery time for a total hip replacement from months to weeks.

e. Artificial discs

Already in use, synthetic discs can maintain space between vertebrae without the need for spinal fusion surgery.

f. Replacement bones

New York City biotech startup Epibone is pioneering growth of bone grafts from stem cells in a so-called bioreactor. Clinical trials are set to begin soon.