Cartilage repair includes various surgical procedures such as microfracture, osteochondral autograft transfer (also known as OATS or Mosaicplasty), osteochondral allograft transplantation and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI/Carticel). These procedures are designed to heal cartilage damage by filling the cartilage defect with repair tissue.
The choice of procedure depends on the size and location of the defect. Generally speaking, larger defects are treated with ACI or osteochondral allograft transplantation, both of which require open incisions. Smaller defects in specific locations can be treated with microfracture or osteochondral autograft transfer, which can be performed with smaller incisions.
Significant bone-on-bone arthritis excludes the option for cartilage surgery. These patients may then be considered for joint replacement surgery or osteotomy (realignment of bowlegged or knock-kneed lower extremities).
Following cartilage surgery, crutches are needed for 6 to 8 weeks. Biking may begin around 4-6 weeks, while swimming and elliptical commence closer to at 8-12 weeks.
