Knee Cartilage Restoration

What Is Knee Cartilage Restoration?

Knee cartilage restoration involves repairing, regenerating, or replacing damaged cartilage in the knee joint. Cartilage is a vital tissue that cushions and protects the bones in the joint, enabling smooth and pain-free movement. When damaged by injury, overuse, or degeneration, cartilage does not heal on its own, making restoration critical to preserving joint health and function.

Conditions Treated with Knee Cartilage Restoration

Cartilage restoration is designed for patients with:

• Focal Cartilage Defects: Localized areas of cartilage damage caused by trauma or repetitive stress.
• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): A condition where a piece of cartilage and underlying bone becomes loose due to poor blood supply.
• Post-Traumatic Cartilage Damage: Resulting from sports injuries or accidents.
• Early-Stage Osteoarthritis: To prevent further joint deterioration and maintain mobility.

Symptoms of Cartilage Damage in the Knee

Signs that you may have cartilage damage include:

• Persistent pain in the knee joint.
• Swelling or tenderness, especially after activity.
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the knee.
• Limited range of motion or stiffness.
• A feeling of instability in the joint.

If you experience these symptoms, our specialists can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Knee Cartilage Restoration Techniques

At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, we offer a range of state-of-the-art procedures to restore knee cartilage, including:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Injections of your body’s own growth factors to stimulate healing.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Regenerative treatments to promote cartilage repair.
• Viscosupplementation: Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint and reduce pain.

Surgical Treatments

• Microfracture Surgery: Stimulating new cartilage growth by creating small holes in the bone beneath the damaged area.
• Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): Harvesting and growing your own cartilage cells in a lab, then implanting them into the damaged area.
• Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS): Transferring healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing area of the joint to the damaged site.
• Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: Using donor cartilage to replace large or complex areas of damage.
• Meniscus Transplantation (if applicable): Replacing a damaged or missing meniscus to improve joint function and protect the cartilage.

Benefits of Knee Cartilage Restoration

Cartilage restoration offers numerous advantages, including:

• Relieving pain and swelling.
• Restoring smooth, pain-free joint movement.
• Preserving natural knee structure and function.
• Preventing or delaying the need for joint replacement surgery.
• Improving your ability to return to physical activities and sports.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from knee cartilage restoration depends on the procedure and the extent of the damage. A typical recovery process includes:

• Initial Healing: Using crutches or braces to protect the repaired cartilage and limit weight-bearing.
• Physical Therapy: Gradually restoring strength, flexibility, and stability through a personalized rehabilitation program.
• Full Recovery: Many patients return to normal activities within 4-6 months, while full recovery for complex procedures may take up to a year.

Our team will provide detailed guidance and support throughout your recovery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush?

Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is a nationally recognized leader in orthopedic care and cartilage restoration. Our team of fellowship-trained surgeons combines expertise in minimally invasive techniques with a commitment to patient-centered care. With access to the latest advancements in regenerative medicine, we deliver exceptional results that help patients maintain active, pain-free lives.