Articular cartilage is a slippery and shiny white connective tissue that covers the articulating surfaces of bones within a joint. In the knee joint, the lower end of the femur (thigh bone) and the upper end of the tibia (shin bone) are protected by this articular cartilage. The primary responsibility of articular cartilage is to reduce friction with normal joint movement but also serves as a protective barrier for the bones. A traumatic knee injury or the normal “wear-and-tear” of the knee joint can damage the articular cartilage. When not treated properly or in a timely manner, bone-on-bone joint movement can develop over time causing osteoarthritis.
Patients with small articular cartilage defects or minimal symptoms may benefit from conservative treatment measures such as rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). However, patients who fail to respond to conservative therapies or have significant damage to the articular cartilage may require surgical intervention. It is important to note that patients with a singular cartilage lesion are more likely to benefit from surgical treatment measures than patients with multiple cartilage lesions. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic knee doctor, treats patients in Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, who have experienced an articular cartilage injury and are in need of articular cartilage transplantation.
Articular cartilage transplantation can be performed using one of the two surgical techniques discussed below. A chondroplasty procedure that removes the damaged articular cartilage fragments often precedes articular cartilage transplantation. Because surgical intervention is tailored to the patient’s specific injury, it is important to consult an orthopedic knee surgeon that is highly trained in each of these surgical techniques.
The surgical approach performed by Dr. McCormick often determines the recovery period following articular cartilage transplantation. The majority of patients can expect a full recovery from the OATS procedure in approximately 3 to 4 months, while a full recovery from PJCAT can be expected in approximately 4 to 6 months. The patient’s ability to carefully follow the post-operative instructions provided can greatly impact the recovery process. Patients in Orlando, Palm Beach County, and the surrounding Florida communities can anticipate the following during recovery:
For more information on medial patellofemoral ligament injuries, or the excellent treatment options available, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities.
