Cartilage surgery is indicted if symptoms continue despite non-operative management or for mechanical symptoms such as giving way, catching or locking.
The knee joint consists of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (kneecap). All of these bones are lined with articular cartilage which allows a smooth movement within the joint.
Cartilage damage is most often caused by a traumatic injury such as a pivoting or twisting injury to the knee or a direct blow. These injuries can result in pain, stiffness, swelling, mechanical symptoms and reduced mobility. If left untreated, these injuries can often lead to osteoarthritis.
The surgical management of cartilage defects can include fixation, microfracture, osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS), autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), Autocart or osteochondral allograft (OCA).
At Glasgow Knee Surgery Clinic, Professor Hopper will discuss all of the options and create a personalized surgical plan to accommodate your specific cartilage defect and your overall needs.
Recovery following cartilage surgery is dependent on the type of treatment performed. Most cartilage procedures are performed as day case procedures and a brace is usually required postoperatively. Weight bearing is often restricted in the early stages therefore crutches are required. A gradual increase in range of movement and weight bearing status followed by weaning of the brace occurs thereafter.
