Cartilage Repair Surgery

If you need a Cartilage Repair Surgery, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Cartilage Repair Surgery?

Cartilage repair surgery refers to a variety of surgical procedures aimed at treating damaged or injured cartilage in joints, most commonly in the knee. The specific procedure used depends on the size, location, and severity of the cartilage defect.

Some common cartilage repair techniques include:

1. Microfracture: In this procedure, small holes are made in the underlying bone near the damaged cartilage area. This creates a healing response, stimulating the formation of a new cartilage-like tissue.
2. Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): ACI involves two surgeries. In the first surgery, a small sample of healthy cartilage is harvested from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient’s joint. The cells are then cultured and multiplied in a laboratory. In the second surgery, the cultured cells are implanted into the cartilage defect, usually with the aid of a collagen membrane or scaffold.
3. Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OAT): In OAT, healthy cartilage and underlying bone are harvested from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient’s joint and transplanted into the cartilage defect. This technique is suitable for smaller defects.
4. Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: This procedure involves the transplantation of a donor’s cartilage and underlying bone to repair the damaged area. It is typically used for larger cartilage defects.
5. Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI): MACI is a newer technique that combines the use of autologous chondrocytes with a biodegradable scaffold. The scaffold is implanted into the defect, and the patient’s cultured chondrocytes are then applied to the scaffold.

The goal of cartilage repair surgery is to promote the growth of new cartilage tissue or replace the damaged tissue, restoring joint function and reducing pain. These procedures are typically recommended for patients with symptomatic cartilage defects who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication.

Recovery and rehabilitation after cartilage repair surgery vary depending on the procedure performed and the extent of the cartilage defect. Physical therapy is usually prescribed to restore range of motion, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and gradually return to normal activities.

It is important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon specializing in cartilage repair to evaluate your specific joint condition and determine the most appropriate surgical approach for you. The surgeon will consider factors such as the size and location of the defect, your overall joint health, and individual goals to provide personalized treatment recommendations.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.