Cartilage is the connective tissue found in various body parts, providing cushioning between your bones. This tissue can tear due to repeated stress. 

Cartilage injuries can occur for many reasons and are especially common in young athletes who put stress on their knees. If not properly treated, this can result in permanent damage and even lifelong pain. However, many treatment options, including surgical and non-surgical options, can help repair cartilage. 

For minor injuries, your doctor may recommend rest or a non-surgical procedure. If your injury is severe or you still notice pain after other methods, it might be time to consider surgery. At Blackrock Orthopedics, we can help you determine if you would benefit from cartilage surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

Types of Cartilage Surgery

There are several different types of cartilage surgery. Our team can help determine which is best for your needs. 

Arthroscopy 

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera called an arthroscope to locate cartilage fragments. This technique allows surgeons to clean out damaged cartilage, remove loose pieces, and repair tissues.

Osteochondral Autologous or Allogeneic Transplantation (OATs)

The OATS procedure involves transplanting healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient’s joint or a donor to the damaged area. This may help restore your knee’s function.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) is an advanced technique where a patient’s cartilage cells are harvested, cultured in a lab, and then re-implanted into the damaged area. This procedure may help your body regenerate new, healthy cartilage. 

Partial Knee Replacement

With a partial knee replacement, we can only replace the damaged part of the knee with a prosthetic, preserving healthy cartilage and bone. This is less invasive than a total knee replacement. 

Find Out If You Would Benefit from Cartilage Surgery 

If you’ve sustained a knee injury, cartilage surgery may reduce your pain and improve function. Contact Blackrock Orthopedics to schedule a consultation for cartilage surgery today. 

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