Treatment of an Unstable Cartilage Lesion with Dr. Logan

Fixing an unstable cartilage of the knee typically involves medical intervention, often through surgery. Here's an overview of the common procedures used to address this issue:

1. Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure involves using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and small surgical tools inserted through small incisions around the knee. Surgeons can visualize the inside of the knee joint and repair or remove damaged cartilage using specialized instruments.

2. Cartilage Repair Techniques: There are several techniques used to repair damaged cartilage, depending on the extent and location of the injury. These may include:

   • Surgical options include drilling, in situ fixation, open reduction internal fixation, and more advanced restorative procedures such as marrow stimulation, osteochondral autograft transfer, osteochondral allograft transplantation, and combined bone grafting with autologous chondrocyte implantation. More on these options... 
     • Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): Harvesting healthy cartilage cells from the patient, growing them in a laboratory, and then implanting them into the damaged area.
     • Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS): Transplanting small plugs of healthy cartilage and bone from non-weight-bearing areas of the knee to the damaged area.
     • Allograft Transplantation: Transplanting cartilage from a donor to replace damaged cartilage.

3. Meniscus Repair or Removal: If the unstable cartilage has a concomitant torn meniscus, surgery may also involve repairing the torn meniscus or removing the damaged portion, depending on the severity of the tear and the patient's age and activity level.

4. Physical Therapy: Following surgery, physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee. Physical therapists can provide exercises and techniques to improve knee stability and prevent future injuries.

5. Bracing or Supportive Devices: In some cases, wearing a knee brace or using supportive devices such as crutches may be necessary to protect the knee during the healing process and provide stability.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact activities that stress the knee joint, and using proper techniques during sports and exercise can help prevent further damage to the knee cartilage.

It's important to consult with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the individual's specific condition and needs. They can assess the extent of the cartilage damage and recommend the best course of action to stabilize the knee and improve function.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.