Arthroscopic Cartilage Restoration
At the Knee Institute at ORTHOKnox, the focus of our practice is to allow for a natural healing process and preserve the patient’s own tissue as much as possible.
We try to exhaust all potential options before resorting to replacement and surgery. Even with today’s technology and advancements, there are still many limitations for regrowing or healing certain types of tissue. Cartilage is one of the most vital tissue patients require. However, it is rare to have enough supplementary cartilage to use as a graft.
Fortunately, there are several options for cartilage restoration that can provide a selective patient with long-term pain relief and improved function.
Cartilage Restoration Procedures
- Meniscus Transplantation: A meniscus is transplanted from a cadaver to the knee of a patient who has undergone a prior meniscectomy.
- Microfracture Procedure: The surgeon creates small holes in the area where the cartilage is damaged, in order to expose bone. The bleeding bone creates a clot, or a “superclot,” which can act as a cartilage covering. This technique must be coupled with appropriate rehabilitation and physical therapy.
- Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS): Also known as an allograft transplant, this procedure uses healthy bone and cartilage, which is transplanted to an area of defect or arthritic damage.
At the Knee Institute at ORTHOKnox, we perform these advanced procedures for the qualified patients who can benefit from them.
Knee Orthopedic Surgeon in Athens and Knoxville, TN
We look forward to serving you at one of our convenient locations in Knoxville or Athens, Tennessee. Please call our office at (865) 251-3030. You can also submit your appointment request using our convenient online form.