Cartilage Repair

What is cartilage repair?

Cartilage repair refers to surgical procedures to restore damaged cartilage in the joints. Healthy cartilage absorbs shock and allows the bones to glide smoothly when you move. However, injuries, wear and tear, and diseases can damage the cartilage.

Since cartilage can’t heal (it lacks a blood supply) and doesn’t regenerate on its own, you’ll need surgery to repair the damage and stimulate new cartilage growth. 

When would I need cartilage repair?

Restoration Orthopedics may recommend cartilage repair surgery when you have torn or damaged cartilage that causes joint pain, swelling, or limited movement.

Injuries and conditions that may need cartilage repair include:

• Meniscus tears
• Cartilage defects (specific area where cartilage is damaged or missing)
• Chondral lesions (generally refers to any cartilage damage ranging from fraying to deep tears)
• Osteochondral lesions (the cartilage and the underlying bone are damaged)
• Chondromalacia patellae (damaged cartilage under the kneecap)
• Recurrent joint dislocations (causing cartilage damage)
• Osteochondritis dissecans (a part of the bone dies due to lack of blood, causing the cartilage to loosen or detach)

Cartilage repair doesn’t treat osteoarthritis, but it may help you delay or avoid joint replacement. 

What cartilage repair procedure might I need?

Restoration Orthopedics may supplement any of the following cartilage repair surgeries with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections. 

Debridement and chondroplasty 

Debridement refers to removing loose cartilage, while chondroplasty means trimming, reshaping, or removing damaged cartilage. 

Microfracture surgery 

Creating small holes in the base of the cartilage lesion and into the bone triggers a healing response that promotes repair and regrowth. 

Osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery (OATS)

Healthy cartilage from another area in the joint is transplanted to the damaged area.

Osteochondral allograft transplantation

Donor cartilage is used to replace the damaged cartilage, a technique used to promote new cartilage growth in large lesions.

Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI)

This technique is often used to repair knee cartilage. It involves taking a small sample of cartilage cells from your knee, growing them in a lab, and then replacing them in the damaged cartilage. The patch grows new, healthy cartilage. 

Particulated juvenile articular cartilage allograft transplantation

Small pieces of cartilage from young donors are transplanted into the damaged area. 

Cartiheal Agili-C cartilage repair implant

This implant is made from a biomaterial that stimulates new cartilage growth in the knee.

Call the office or book online today to learn if you might benefit from cartilage repair.