What is Cartilage Restoration and Repair?

Cartilage Restoration and Repair is useful for athetes and non-athletes who have sustained damage to the surface of the articular cartilage which face each other at a paarticular joint. These are usually defects that, if not corrected, often become arthritic areas. By using variouus techniques, these articular areas can be returned to a normal looking and functioning surface. Studies over the past 5 years have shown that OATS (osteochondral tranfers), Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation and Cadaver Allograft Substitution can provide a long lasting surface to the joint and avoid joint replacement surgery. The procedures of meniscus transplantation and tibial osteotomy both take pressure off of areas in the knee that have the beginning of arthritis and allow patients to return to sporting activities.

Arthroplasty
Most people have heard about total knee replacement for an arthritic knee. this certainly is necessary when the whole joint is affected. However, there are three compartments in the knee and if only one compartment is effected, it can be replaced alone. Unicompartmental replacements can be done for either the medial (inside) of the knee or the lateral (outside) of the knee. There is also a specific replacement that can be done just for arthritis of the knee cap. These procedures allow the benefit of recovery and participation in more athletic activities.