Cartilage Damage

The cartilage acts as a buffer tissue and covers the bones forming the joint (tibia and talus). Cartilage damage is caused by accidents or wear and tear.

When is surgery needed?

The consequences of cartilage damage can include pain, swelling, or locking sensations in the joint. Surgery is recommended if conservative therapy has not been successful.

What happens during surgery?

Depending on the extent of the cartilage damage, various surgical techniques are available:

• Arthroscopic cartilage debridement
• Arthroscopic stimulation drilling for cartilage regeneration
• Open or arthroscopic repair of trauma-related cartilage fractures

• Open cartilage replacement surgery

Aftercare

Following surgery for cartilage damage, partial weight-bearing of the leg using elbow crutches, medicinal thrombosis prophylaxis, and physiotherapeutic treatment are required. Following arthroscopic cartilage debridement, we recommend partial weight-bearing for 2 to 4 weeks. Following surgery for cartilage regeneration, cartilage repair, and cartilage replacement, partial weight-bearing for 6 to 8 weeks is necessary. . As a rule, a rehabilitation period of 12 weeks is to be expected after cartilage repair. Patients should expect to be signed off work for up to 3 months.