Cartilage Restoration

Articular Cartilage is the white tissue lining the end of bones where these bones connect to form joints. Cartilage acts as cushioning material and helps in smooth gliding of bones during movement. An injury to the joint may damage this cartilage which cannot repair on its own. Cartilage can be damaged with increasing age, normal wear and tear, or trauma. Damaged cartilage cannot cushion the joints during movement and the joints may rub over each other causing severe pain and inflammation.

Cartilage restoration is a surgical procedure where orthopedic surgeons stimulate the growth of new cartilage that restores the normal function. Arthritis condition can be delayed or prevented through this procedure.

Several techniques are employed for cartilage restoration including dietary supplements, microfracture, drilling, abrasion arthroplasty, osteochondral autograft, and allograft transplantation.

Microfracture

In this method numerous holes are created in the injured joint surface using a sharp tool.

Find out more about Microfracture with the following links.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplant

A cartilage tissue (graft) is taken from a donor and transplanted to the site of the injury. Allograft technique is recommended if larger part of cartilage is damaged.

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Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

In this method a piece of healthy cartilage from other site is removed using arthroscopic technique and is cultured in laboratory.

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Offloading Procedures

Articular Cartilage is the white tissue lining the end of bones where these bones connect to form joints. Cartilage acts as cushioning material and helps in smooth gliding of bones during movement.

Find out more about Offloading procedures with the following links.

Click on the topics below to find out more from the Orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.