Cartilage Replacement & Joint Preservation

Memphis Cartilage Replacement

Cartilage replacement in Memphis, Tennessee, is a surgical procedure that replaces worn-out cartilage. The new cartilage helps relieve pain, improves function, and can even delay or prevent arthritis.

A cartilage doctor is a physician who specializes in the treatment of cartilage damage to relieve pain and improve quality of life. Sports or traumatic injuries are a few of the common causes of worn-out cartilage that might benefit from cartilage replacement. But cartilage damage can easily be caused by general wear and tear experienced through the years.

Cartilage replacement surgery has seen tremendous progress over the past decade and aims to improve the quality of life for people living with worn-out cartilage. If you’re curious about treatment options, give Tennessee Orthopedic & Spine a call today!

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions you may have about cartilage replacement and regeneration.

Cartilage Damage & Arthritis

Damaged cartilage is common, and if you’re suffering the effects, you’re not alone. Importantly, treating damaged cartilage can help delay or prevent the onset of arthritis.

According to the CDC:

With cartilage replacement procedures, the goal is to stimulate new hyaline cartilage growth. Hyaline cartilage is translucent cartilage found on joint surfaces. It provides support to articular surfaces and at the end of bones in free-moving joints.

If you’re suffering cartilage damage and the pain that goes along with it, our team of cartilage specialists are standing by to help.

Whether you need knee cartilage repair, cartilage regeneration, or cartilage surgery, you should get in touch with a cartilage doctor ASAP to discuss your options.

Cartilage Replacement Surgery Options

There are several different arthroscopic procedures a cartilage replacement surgeon might use to replace cartilage. Each of them stimulates the growth of new hyaline cartilage. Cartilage replacement helps restore function, relieves pain, and can even delay or prevent arthritis.

Damaged cartilage that does not properly cushion joints can result in significant inflammation and pain.

Here are the arthroscopic procedures our clinic uses for cartilage replacement:

Microfracture

This procedure gets its name from the numerous tiny holes created in the injured joint surface. These holes are made by a tool called an ‘awl’. The awl makes holes to the bone just beneath the cartilage. New cartilage is stimulated by the new bloody supply to the cartilage.

Drilling

Much like microfracture, drilling creates multiple tiny holes. But in this procedure, the holes are made using wire or a surgical drill.

Abrasion Arthroplasty

Abrasion Arthroplasty is similar to drilling. In addition to making tiny holes in the injured joint surface, damaged cartilage is removed using high-speed burs.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

This is a two-step procedure. In the first step, healthy cartilage cells are removed and grown in a laboratory. In the second step, the healthy cells are implanted into the cartilage defect. Fibrin glue is used to sew the harvested patch over the defected area. New cartilage cells are injected into the cartilage defect, allowing for new cartilage cell growth.

Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation

In this transplantation procedure, plugs of cartilage are taken from the non-weight-bearing area of the knee and transferred to the damaged joint area.

Joint Preservation

Joint preservation typically requires surgery. The aim of joint preservation procedures is to reconnect broken bones or torn ligaments and restore proper joint function.

Sports Injury FAQ

Here are some of the answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding cartilage replacement & joint preservation.

What happens when you have no cartilage in your knee?

Even the smallest articular cartilage defects can eventually progress to serious conditions over time. If cartilage defects are left untreated, the joint may become so damaged a person is unable to walk.

Can you replace cartilage?

Yes, but it cannot heal on its own. The surgical techniques outlined above were developed to help replace, repair, and regenerate worn-out cartilage.

How long does it take to recover from cartilage surgery?

After cartilage surgery, you should be able to enjoy some physical activity in six to eight weeks. Full recovery varies anywhere from three to six months.

What is joint preservation?

Joint preservation reconnects broken bones or torn ligaments to restore proper joint function. It typically requires surgery.