Cartilage Restoration Center Testimonials

Joe Cockrell: “The pain was only getting worse.”

Most of us take for granted being able to take a few simple steps without pain. Not Joe Cockrell. As he approached his mid-50s, he suffered from knee pain that was growing progressively worse. “The pain in my knee was so bad, I could barely walk,” said Joe. “I realized I was missing out on everything.”

Joe was referred to Dr. Brett Gemlick at Ortho NorthEast. “Dr. Gemlick explained that the cartilage in my knee was damaged from years of wear and tear and that the cartilage would not grow back on its own. I realized the pain was only going to get worse.”

Dr. Gemlick determined that Joe was a good candidate for an advanced cartilage restoration procedure known as microfracture surgery. In microfracture surgery, the surgeon makes very small holes in the bone near the damaged cartilage. The holes release bone marrow cells that form a clot and trigger the production of new cartilage.

According to Joe, the pain in his knee improved immediately following the procedure. And today? “It feels great — my knee is totally pain-free,” said Joe. “I’m even back to being an assistant coach of a youth football league.”

Joe realizes that many people who suffer from knee pain put off seeing an orthopaedic specialist. “I tell them the pain isn’t going to get better on its own,” he says. “For me, the first step to getting better was getting to Dr. Gemlick.”

Matthew Dawson: "Active all day."

Two years ago, 21-year-old Matthew Dawson learned first-hand what can happen when your upper and lower leg twist in opposite directions. “I was running around with friends when my foot got caught and my body kept moving,” said Matt. “I knew right away my knee was badly hurt, and as it turned out, I tore much of the soft tissue, damaged the cartilage and fractured my knee cap.”

Matt saw Dr. Brett Gemlick at Ortho NorthEast and was scheduled for cartilage fixation surgery three days later. According to Dr. Gemlick, the extent of Matt’s cartilage detachment was very serious and put him in danger of developing arthritis in his knee.

“Dr. Gemlick fixed a hole in my knee cartilage that was as big as a half-dollar,” said Matt. During the procedure, Dr. Gemlick attached the cartilage using advanced bio-absorbable pins and screws that are designed to resorb into the body within 8-12 months.

After being on crutches for a month, Matt began three months of physical therapy. “By the second month of rehab, I began to regain mobility and the pain was much better,” said Matt. These days, Matt is on his feet and active all day at his job. He knows that until recently, people with his injury would likely have faced a lifetime of knee problems. Thanks to ONE’s advanced Cartilage Restoration Center, Matt has made a full recovery.