Cartilage Restoration and Resurfacing
What is Cartilage Restoration and Resurfacing?
Cartilage restoration and resurfacing are innovative surgical techniques aimed at repairing or replacing damaged cartilage within the knee joint. When cartilage wears down, whether due to injury, overuse, or degeneration, it can lead to significant pain and reduced joint function. These procedures not only alleviate discomfort but also help restore joint mobility, enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from cartilage defects
When is Cartilage Restoration Indicated?
Here are some common reasons for considering cartilage restoration:
- Cartilage Damage: Trauma or repeated stress can cause cartilage damage, which frequently leads to arthritic symptoms including pain and swelling.
- Persistent Knee Pain: If knee pain hampers your daily activities and mobility, cartilage restoration may offer a pathway to relief and improved function.
Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during the cartilage restoration process
- Joint Access: To view the injured cartilage and determine the severity of the damage, the surgeon can perform arthroscopy, a minimally invasive proceed
- Restoration Techniques: A variety of techniques may be used, depending on the kind and extent of the damage:
- Microfracture: By making tiny holes in the underlying bone, this technique promotes the formation of new cartilage.
- Osteochondral Grafting: Bone and healthy cartilage are moved to the injured part of your knee from another area.
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): This advanced procedure includes collecting and cultivating cartilage cells in a lab before implanting them back into the injured area.
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): This advanced method involves harvesting your cartilage cells, culturing them in a lab, and then implanting them back into the damaged area.
Recovery
Recovering from cartilage restoration typically involves:
- Rest and Rehabilitation: A gradual focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion is crucial during rehabilitation.
- Return to Activities: Depending on the particular method performed and each patient’s healing process, a full recovery may take several months. When it’s safe to return to your regular activities will be determined by your rehabilitation team.
