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?

Surgeons perform various surgical procedures to treat damaged or injured cartilage in joints, with the knee being the most common site for such interventions. Cartilage repair surgery aims to restore the smooth, resilient cartilage that allows for pain-free joint movement. The choice of procedure depends on the size, location, and severity of the cartilage defect. As well as, the patient’s overall health and activity level.

Microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS), and allograft transplantation are among the common procedures. Microfracture involves creating small holes in the bone to stimulate new cartilage growth. However, ACI uses the patient’s own cultured cartilage cells to repair the defect. OATS and allograft transplantation replace the damaged cartilage with healthy cartilage from the patient’s own body or a donor, respectively.

Cartilage repair surgery aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and delay the progression of arthritis. With advances in surgical techniques and post-operative care, patients can achieve significant improvements in joint health. Moreover they are able to their normal activities with less discomfort and greater mobility.

Cartilage Repair Procedure

Among these procedures, microfracture involves creating small holes in the underlying bone near the damaged cartilage area, stimulating a healing response that prompts the formation of new cartilage-like tissue. However, Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) requires two surgeries. Firstly, surgeons harvest a small sample of healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient’s joint and culture it in a laboratory to multiply the cells. Then, they implant the cultured cells into the cartilage defect, often with the assistance of a collagen membrane or scaffold.

Additionally, Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OAT) entails harvesting healthy cartilage and underlying bone from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient’s joint and transplanting it into the cartilage defect, making it suitable for smaller defects. Conversely, Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation involves transplanting a donor’s cartilage and underlying bone to repair the damaged area, typically used for larger cartilage defects.

Moreover, a newer technique called Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) combines autologous chondrocytes with a biodegradable scaffold. Surgeons implant the scaffold into the defect, and then they apply the patient’s cultured chondrocytes to the scaffold, facilitating cartilage repair.

Cartilage repair surgery aims to promote the growth of new cartilage tissue or replace damaged tissue, restoring joint function and reducing pain. Surgeons typically recommend these procedures for patients with symptomatic cartilage defects. Especially those who have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication.

Cartilage Repair Procedure Benefits

Cartilage repair procedures offer significant benefits for individuals suffering from joint pain and mobility issues due to cartilage damage. By restoring damaged cartilage, these procedures can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, allowing patients to enjoy a more active and pain-free lifestyle. Improved joint function is another major benefit, as repairing cartilage helps restore the smooth surface needed for normal joint movement.

Cartilage repair also helps slow the progression of osteoarthritis, preventing further joint degeneration and potentially delaying the need for more invasive surgeries like joint replacement. Patients often experience enhanced joint stability and strength, which supports better overall joint health and reduces the risk of future injuries.

Additionally, by addressing the root cause of pain and dysfunction, cartilage repair can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life. With advancements in surgical techniques, patients can achieve long-lasting results. Additionally, regaining their ability to participate in daily activities and sports with greater ease and comfort.

Cartilage Repair Recovery

Recovery and rehabilitation after cartilage repair surgery vary depending on the procedure and the extent of the cartilage defect. Doctors usually prescribe physical therapy to restore range of motion, strengthen surrounding muscles, and gradually return to normal activities. Consulting an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in cartilage repair is crucial for assessing your specific joint condition and determining the most suitable surgical approach.

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. Following surgery, adhering to a structured rehabilitation plan is essential for optimal recovery. This typically involves a combination of gentle exercises to improve flexibility and strength, followed by more intensive workouts as healing progresses.

Patients must follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding weight-bearing and activity restrictions to prevent complications and ensure successful cartilage regeneration. With diligent rehabilitation and medical guidance, most patients can achieve significant improvements in joint function. Moreover, they can return to their normal activities with reduced pain and enhanced mobility.

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.