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Coral Implant Offers New Hope for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
17 Nov
Summary
- Innovative coral-based implant helps those with knee osteoarthritis
- Procedure offers less invasive option than total knee replacement
- Patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility
As of November 17th, 2025, a groundbreaking new procedure using natural coral is offering hope to those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The innovative treatment, performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery, provides a less invasive option for patients who may not be ready for a total knee replacement.
One such patient is Tanya Iacono, a 47-year-old competitive powerlifter. Iacono had been experiencing extreme discomfort, swelling, and mixed advice from doctors as she trained for nationals earlier this year. She was even told by some to stop moving altogether, which would have been devastating for the active athlete. Iacono was also informed that she would eventually need a knee replacement.
However, Iacono's outlook changed when she learned about the new coral-based procedure. "Hearing that this was an option really, truly felt like a miracle," she said. The procedure, called Cartiheal Agili-C, uses a small cartilage repair implant made from coral to stimulate the body's natural healing process and regrow cartilage.
According to the surgeons, Dr. Andreas Gomoll and Dr. Sabrina Strickland, the coral implant is over 90% identical to human bone, allowing for seamless integration. This innovative approach offers a solution for patients with early-stage arthritis who may not be candidates for a full knee replacement.
Iacono is eager to get back to the gym and resume her powerlifting training, but her main motivation is her son, a special needs child. "I think any parent of a special needs child is always looking for ways to be indestructible, because you have to around for your kid as long as possible," she said.
The coral implant procedure, which takes about 30 minutes, has already helped nearly 80 patients outside of the clinical trial that led to its FDA approval in 2022. Patients like Heidi Jones, who had the surgery a year and a half ago, have reported significant improvements, with Jones saying she is "box jumping, running, and squatting" without issue.
As the innovative treatment continues to gain traction, it offers a promising alternative for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis, providing hope and a path to a more active, pain-free life.
