Patient Story · Video · Clinical Trial
A new synthetic cartilage implant — tested in an FDA trial.
After years of debilitating knee pain, Amanda participated in an FDA trial of the Hyalex synthetic cartilage device with Dr. Gomoll — and shares how the procedure helped restore her quality of life.
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About this story
Helping advance the field — one patient at a time.
For patients with a focal cartilage defect that hasn't responded to conservative care, the standard options are osteochondral allograft transplantation, autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), and — in advanced cases — partial or total knee replacement. New options are continually under investigation.
The Hyalex synthetic cartilage implant is one such option, designed to replace damaged focal cartilage with a polymer material that mimics the mechanical properties of natural cartilage. As an investigational device, it's currently available only through FDA-approved clinical trials — and Hospital for Special Surgery is among the centers participating.
Amanda shares her experience as a participant in that trial. For an overview of current trials Dr. Gomoll is involved in, see our clinical trials page.
About the procedure
The Hyalex Cartilage Implant
Hyalex is a new synthetic cartilage implant designed to replace damaged focal cartilage with a polymer material that mimics the mechanical properties of natural cartilage. As an investigational device, it's currently available only through FDA-approved clinical trials at a small number of centers — Hospital for Special Surgery being one of them. More on clinical trials →
Why Clinical Trials Matter
Patients like Amanda who participate in well-designed clinical trials help advance the field — making new joint-preserving options available to future patients. Dr. Gomoll's practice at HSS includes ongoing research and trials in cartilage repair and joint preservation. Learn about current trials →
Read more patient stories
Hear from more of Dr. Gomoll's patients in their own words about how they got back to the lives they love.