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Repair of articular cartilage defects

What is articular cartilage defect repair?

This is a modern surgical operation during which a multilayer collagen-hydroxyapatite membrane is implanted and bone marrow stimulation is applied. In this way, articular cartilage injuries and defects are treated, cartilage tissue is regenerated.

Cartilage covers our bones and joints. It helps bones and joints to connect with each other, provides freedom of movement, free sliding of the joint without jamming, protects against damage, absorbs impact.

Unfortunately, factors such as diseases (for example, osteoarthritis), obesity or excessive physical exertion and various injuries damage the joints and lead to constant stress on the joint cartilages and, at the same time, various defects.

If you experience discomfort during normal movements, feel pain during exercise or sports, hear an unusual sound when bending your limbs, experience joint stiffness, stiffness or swelling in these areas, you may need repair of joint cartilage defects.

Who can repair articular cartilage defects?

The operation is recommended for patients of all ages with an active lifestyle. However, it is observed that the treatment is most effective in patients of working age.

Before prescribing the procedure, it is necessary to assess the person's level of physical activity, extent of injury, general physical health and identify risk factors that may influence the results of surgical treatment.

How to prepare for surgery?

This is a surgical procedure that usually involves the use of regional anesthesia. Before the operation, it is recommended to give up bad habits, because alcohol and tobacco can affect the body's recovery and healing. Targeted consultation of a rehabilitator or physiotherapist regarding physical preparation before and after surgery. General health examinations are recommended before surgery.

How is joint cartilage defects repaired?

During this procedure, the defected joint cartilages are filled with a special joint cartilage substitute (implant) - a multi-layer collagen-hydroxyapatite membrane. After making several small (only 0.5-1 cm long) cuts, the knee joint is examined under camera control. Possible collateral damage to the knee joint, such as ligament and meniscal tears, articular cartilage defects, is evaluated. The severity of cartilage damage is assessed. After evaluating the changes, meniscal or knee ligament tears are repaired during the same operation. The cartilage defect is cleared. The membrane is measured. In case of large cartilage defects, an additional skin incision may be made. The implant is surgically attached to the cartilage and bone edges of the joint with special fibrin glue.

It is a completely safe biological substitute: the membrane replicates the natural structure of our cartilage tissue, so bone marrow cells can easily enter the membrane, which promotes the regeneration and repair of cartilage tissue. In this way, it becomes easier to move and it is possible to significantly delay the replacement of the joint or even avoid it altogether.

Postoperative period and healing

Postoperative period

It is a minimally invasive operation, but in the first days after the procedure, you may feel pain, burning, sensitivity, and swelling in the operated area. You can reduce the swelling with the help of ice (before wrapping the ice in a clean cloth and a bag to avoid direct contact with the skin), and the pain - by taking medications prescribed by the doctor.

Most patients can return to normal physical activity after 6-8 weeks (following all the doctor's instructions), but full recovery after surgery to repair articular cartilage defects can take 4-6 months, once the tissues have fully healed and a course of physical rehabilitation has been completed.