Surgical Procedures to Repair Damaged Cartilage
Many procedures to restore articular cartilage are done arthroscopically. During arthroscopy, your surgeon makes three small, puncture incisions around your joint using an arthroscope. Some procedures require the surgeon to have more direct access to the affected area. Longer, open incisions are required. Sometimes it is necessary to address other problems in the joint, such as meniscal or ligament tears, when cartilage surgery is done.
In general, recovery from an arthroscopic procedure is quicker and less painful than traditional, open surgery. Your doctor will discuss the options with you to determine what kind of procedure is right for you.
The most common procedures for cartilage restoration are:
- Microfracture
- Drilling
- Abrasion arthroplasty
- Autologous chondrocyte implantation
- Osteochondral autograft transplantation
- Osteochondral allograft transplantation
To learn more about articular cartilage restoration, contact one of our locations.