Cartilage Reconstruction
Where there is widespread cartilage loss, joint replacement is often necessary. However, in some situations, cartilage can be repaired or encouraged to grow back.
How can cartilage be repaired or reconstructed?
When a small fragment has been knocked off, this can be amenable to repair.
If this is not possible, then there are several techniques to encourage cartilage to reform in the gap.
These include:
Drilling the bone (microfracture)
Inserting Synthetic implants that act as a scaffold for new cartilage to form
Implanting cartilage from areas of the knee it isn’t required (OATS procedure)
Microfracture
There are a variety of injectable substances that can offer temporary relief for joint pain. These include steroids, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid.
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There is no conclusive evidence that any of these injectables are superior to the other ones. No injectable substances can reverse the damage to the joint cartilage but they can help manage the symptoms
Synthetic Cartilage Repair Matrix
Where non-operative techniques and microfracture have failed, one alternative is to use a synthetic cartilage repair matrix such as Hyalofast. Once implanted, this acts as a scaffold for stem cells to regrow cartilage in focal damaged areas of the knee.
Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS)
This technique uses your own cartilage to repair damaged parts of the knee joint. The cartilage is taken from a non-weight bearing part of the knee and implanted in the affected area.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
This is a two stage procedure which first involves harvesting of cartilage cells taken from non-weight bearing parts of the knee. These are then cultured and multiplied in the laboratory before being re-implanted into the damaged area of the knee during a second procedure.