CARTILAGE REPAIR CENTER

The Cartilage Repair Center is an internationally recognized center for biological repair methods for patients with cartilage damage and early-stage arthritis. The Center is affiliated with the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute and St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. Minas also currently serves as Professor Emeritus of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Our vision is to use innovative treatment methods for restoring damaged cartilage, with the goal of preventing the onset or progression of osteoarthritis and returning patients to the highest level of function possible. Being at the forefront of biological and tissue engineering

advancements, we are able to offer our patients the most advanced treatment options.

The CRC has pioneered many developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cartilage damage, including the first autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) in the United States; largest experience with MACI in the US; and busiest clinical center dedicated to the treatment of cartilage damage and early arthritis. We have also developed a partial joint replacement that is custom manufactured for each specific patient based on advanced MRI sequences, and implanted in a minimally invasive fashion. We are actively involved in numerous clinical studies investigating next generation technologies for cartilage repair in order to provide our patients with the most advanced treatment options available in the US and abroad.

Our tertiary referral center is an integrated team of musculoskeletal experts devoted to quality patient care. Through this collaborative effort, our team is able to provide cutting edge technology and services to maximize patient outcomes. Through the Center’s vast experience in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, a more thorough understanding of matching techniques to individual conditions and appropriate patient follow-up has been firmly established.

The latest Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners are available on-site for convenient access. Additionally, a Radiologist specializing in cartilage imaging reviews all imaging studies within hours of the scan. Our on-site Physical Therapists are trained in the detailed and incremental rehabilitation program required after cartilage repair procedures. If you travel from out-of state or abroad, they will be happy to go over the program with you prior to your departure back home.

Tom Minas, MD, MS

Director of Cartilage Repair Center

Dr. Tom Minas is an Attending Orthopedic Surgeon and the Director of the Cartilage Repair Center at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. He previously practiced at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts for 30 years and remains a Professor Emeritus of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Minas is an internationally recognized leader in the orthopedic field, specializing in joint preservation and cartilage repair of…

Liana Leja, RN, MS

Research Nurse

Liana joined the Cartilage Repair Center in May 2019. As Dr. Minas’ Research Nurse, Liana is dedicated to advancing the treatment of articular cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis of the knee. Liana’s primary responsibilities are for the overall design, conduct, and management of research studies and clinical trials. Prior to joining the CRC, Liana researched at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she led initiatives designed to improve patient care throughout the preoperative process. She also worked…

Ash Itinger

Administrative Assistant

An invaluable assistant to Dr. Minas, Ash is responsible for the everyday happenings of the practice from scheduling and managing patient appointments, planning and coordinating surgeries, to engaging with patients and families on a daily basis. She is devoted to providing patients with an exceptional experience, whether working directly with the patients or by assisting the staff to provide quality care, Ash is the “go-to” person, and her kind and comforting words make the…

CARTILAGE REPAIR CENTER