How has the Cartiheal Agili-C procedure helped Tanya Iacono, the competitive powerlifter?

The Cartiheal Agili-C procedure has provided Tanya Iacono, a 47-year-old competitive powerlifter, with a new lease on her active lifestyle. Iacono was experiencing extreme discomfort and swelling in her knee, and was even told by some doctors to stop moving altogether. However, the coral-based procedure has given Iacono hope, as she is now eager to get back to the gym and resume her powerlifting training.

What are the benefits of the Cartiheal Agili-C procedure compared to a full knee replacement?

The Cartiheal Agili-C procedure offers a less invasive option for patients with early-stage osteoarthritis who may not be ready for a full knee replacement. The procedure takes only about 30 minutes and stimulates the body to grow new cartilage over the coral implant, reducing pain and improving mobility without the need for a major surgery.

Home / Health / Coral Implant Offers New Hope for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Coral Implant Offers New Hope for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Q: What is the Cartiheal Agili-C procedure?

The Cartiheal Agili-C procedure is an innovative, new treatment that uses a small cartilage repair implant made from coral to stimulate the body's natural healing process and regrow cartilage in the knee, providing a less invasive option for patients with early-stage osteoarthritis.

17 Nov

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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

Coral Implant Offers New Hope for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

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.