A newer way of approaching cartilage defects or injuries aims to repair a patient’s cartilage when possible. If not possible, the goal is to preserve the joint’s normal physiology by replacing the injured cartilage area with normal or near-normal articular cartilage.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF CARTILAGE PRESERVATION PROCEDURES?
To repair damaged cartilage areas of an affected joint to restore normal biomechanics and potentially decrease the risk of developing arthritis in the future.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR CARTILAGE PRESERVATION PROCEDURES?
Young, active individuals with symptomatic cartilage injuries have been limited by their injuries and desire to return to their prior activity levels/sport.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMONLY AFFECTED JOINTS?
Affected joints can involve any joint; however, the most commonly affected and treated joints are the knee, ankle, and hip.
WHAT COMMON PROCEDURES PERFORMED?
Osteochondral allograft transplantation of the knee and ankle
Osteochondral Autograft transplantation (OATs) of the knee and ankle
Cartilage preservation is a newer approach to addressing cartilage defects or injuries. The goal is to repair or replace the injured cartilage with normal or near-normal articular cartilage, preserving the joint's normal physiology.
This is particularly beneficial for young, active individuals with symptomatic cartilage injuries who want to return to their prior activity levels or sports. Affected joints can involve any joint, but the most commonly treated joints are the knee, ankle, and hip.
Common Cartilage Preservation Procedures
Several common procedures are used in cartilage preservation, including osteochondral allograft transplantation, osteochondral autograft transplantation, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation, and marrow stimulating procedures like microfracture.
Other procedures, such as meniscal repair or transplant, osteotomies, and patella stabilizing procedures, may also be used to address cartilage-related issues and preserve joint function.
