Dr. Stephanie Boden Is the First Surgeon in Louisville to Use the Cutting-Edge Technology of a Cell-Free Aragonite-Based Scaffold With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Augmentation for an Osteochondral Defect of the Knee

Posted on: August 15th, 2026 by Our Team

Louisville orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Boden has reached an important milestone in regional joint-preservation care, becoming the first surgeon in Louisville to use a cell-free aragonite-based scaffold augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate, or BMAC, to treat an osteochondral defect of the knee.

The innovative procedure offers a new treatment option for select patients with damage involving both the articular cartilage and the underlying bone. By addressing these two layers together, the technology is designed to support restoration of the knee’s osteochondral unit—the integrated structure formed by the joint’s cartilage and subchondral bone.

For Dr. Boden, the introduction of this advanced technique reflects her commitment to evidence-based medicine, innovative technology and individualized care.

Understanding Osteochondral Defects

Articular cartilage is the smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones inside the knee. It helps the joint move with minimal friction while absorbing forces generated during walking, running and other activities.

When an injury extends through the cartilage and affects the bone beneath it, the damaged area is known as an osteochondral defect. These defects may result from an acute injury, repetitive stress or degenerative changes. Because articular cartilage has a limited natural ability to heal, an osteochondral defect can cause persistent pain, swelling, catching sensations and difficulty participating in work, exercise or everyday activities.

Treatment depends on several factors, including the defect’s size, depth and location; the condition of the surrounding cartilage; the degree of arthritis in the knee; and the patient’s age, health and activity goals. Nonsurgical care may be appropriate initially, but some symptomatic defects require cartilage-restoration surgery.

How the Aragonite-Based Scaffold Works

The cell-free scaffold is a biocompatible implant made from aragonite, a naturally occurring form of calcium carbonate. Its biphasic structure is designed to provide distinct environments for the two tissues affected by an osteochondral injury.

The deeper portion of the scaffold supports the underlying bone, while the surface portion is intended to encourage the formation of cartilage-like repair tissue. The implant acts as a framework into which the patient’s own cells can migrate as the body begins its healing response.

Because the scaffold is cell-free, it does not contain donor cartilage cells. It can be implanted during a single operation, avoiding the separate cartilage-harvesting procedure and cell-cultivation period required by certain other cartilage-restoration techniques.

Augmentation With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate

Dr. Boden augmented the scaffold with bone marrow aspirate concentrate. During the procedure, a small amount of bone marrow is collected from the patient and processed to concentrate components that may support the body’s natural repair environment.

The concentrate is then combined with the scaffold before implantation into the prepared osteochondral defect. This approach brings together the scaffold’s structural properties and biological material obtained from the patient.

The goal is to create an environment that supports healing across both the cartilage and bone portions of the defect. As with any cartilage-restoration procedure, results vary, and recovery requires a carefully structured rehabilitation program.

Advancing Joint Preservation in Louisville

Dr. Boden is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and advanced treatment of the shoulder, knee and other joints. Her practice includes minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, complex reconstruction and joint-preservation procedures such as cartilage restoration, meniscus transplantation, and ligament and tendon repair.

By bringing this aragonite-based scaffold procedure to Louisville, Dr. Boden is expanding the treatment options available to appropriately selected patients with focal cartilage and osteochondral damage.

The procedure is not intended for every person with knee pain or arthritis. A comprehensive evaluation—including a physical examination, medical imaging and a review of previous treatments—is necessary to determine whether a patient may be a candidate. Dr. Boden works with each patient to explain the available options, expected recovery and potential risks and benefits before recommending treatment.

A Personalized Approach to Knee Care

Cartilage injuries can be complex, and successful treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and a plan tailored to the individual. Dr. Boden’s approach combines advanced surgical techniques with an emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care.

Her use of a cell-free aragonite-based scaffold with BMAC augmentation represents another step forward in joint preservation for the Louisville community. For select patients with an osteochondral defect of the knee, the technology may provide an option designed to treat the damaged cartilage and underlying bone together while supporting the body’s own healing process.

Patients experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, catching or limitations in activity may benefit from an orthopedic evaluation to identify the source of their symptoms and discuss an individualized treatment plan.