CARTILAGE REGENERATION

This is the smooth coating that forms the joint with the meniscus wedged between the two sides and providing protection.

Cartilage can be damaged in localised areas creating isolated cartilage defects, for instance, after trauma. Here there is the possibility for Cartilage treatment. These treatments include:

• Arthroscopic chondroplasty where the painful loose cartilage edges are sealed off
• Arthroscopic microfracture to stimulate the underlying bone to produce healing cells
• Application of a cartilage regeneration matrix is an option for larger defects or those resistant to chondroplasty alone
• Cartilage transplant or autologous cartilage transplantation is also a possibility; using your own body’s cells to help regenerate the cartilage defect

Diffuse cartilage damage or early osteoarthritis is often non amenable to cartilage treatments and management comes in the form of an initial non-operative, and finally an assessment for realignment osteotomy or partial knee replacement. Several solutions can be applied here, all of which will be discussed with you.