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Knee

Cartilage Transplantation
Cartilage Damage

The cartilage acts as a buffer tissue and covers the bones forming the joint (tibia and femur). 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. If conservative therapy has not been successful, various surgical techniques are available.

What happens during surgery?

Depending on the extent of the cartilage damage, the following surgical techniques are possible:

  • Arthroscopic cartilage smoothing
  • Arthroscopic stimulation drilling for cartilage regeneration
  • Open or arthroscopic repair of trauma-related cartilage fractures
  • Arthroscopic or open cartilage replacement surgeries
  • Cartilage chip transplantation (so-called minced cartilage procedure)

  • Cartilage transplantation (ACT)

Aftercare

Following surgery for cartilage damage, partial weight-bearing of the leg using elbow crutches, medicinal thrombosis prophylaxis, and physiotherapeutic treatment are required. After arthroscopic cartilage smoothing, we recommend partial weight-bearing for 4 weeks. Following surgeries for cartilage regeneration, cartilage repair, and cartilage replacement, partial weight-bearing for 6–8 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.