Cartilage Restoration

Our Approach to Cartilage Restoration

Cartilage is the flexible, shock-absorbing connective tissue that protects joints and bones. Cartilage injuries or defects can have a major impact on your quality of life. If left untreated, they can lead to more serious deterioration and potentially the need for early joint replacement. By addressing these conditions proactively, however, patients can restore lost cartilage and maintain an active lifestyle.

The orthopedic surgeons at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) specialize in minimally invasive procedures that help stimulate the growth of new cartilage. These treatments can help restore your joint's natural anatomy, which leads to normal function and pain relief. Additionally, cartilage restoration treatments can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and help delay or prevent the need for joint replacement.

Although cartilage restoration is primarily used in the knee, our surgeons also treat cartilage defects in the shoulder, elbow, foot, ankle, and hip.

Cartilage restoration services are offered at locations across Illinois and Northwest Indiana, including the Rush Cartilage Restoration Center.

What We Do

CARTILAGE RESTORATION CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Articular cartilage damage
Avascular necrosis
Bone marrow edema
Knee pain
Microfracture
Osteoarthritis
Shoulder pain
Torn meniscus

Cartilage Restoration Tests and Treatments

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)
Cartilage restoration
Cartilage transplant
Osteochondral allograft transplant
Osteochondral autograft transplant
Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
Stem cell therapy
Subchondroplasty

The Cartilage Restoration Center

The Cartilage Restoration Center at Rush University Medical Center was the first center of its kind in the Midwest — and the nation. Here, MOR cartilage restoration experts have pioneered treatments that have helped thousands of patients in the U.S.

In these cutting-edge procedures, our surgeons transplant grafts — from donor cartilage or the patient's own cartilage — to fill areas that have cartilage loss; use cartilage cells from the patient to grow new cartilage; or even perform a meniscus transplant. These procedures are often done using minimally invasive techniques, helping you recover faster, with less scarring and a reduced risk of infection.

The Cartilage Restoration Center is renowned for research that drives innovation and improves patient care. Our orthopedic surgeons are actively engaged in clinical trials of new treatments performed by some of the nation's most recognized cartilage restoration specialists.