Cartilage Reconstruction

Serving the Local Community in Orange County

Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s orthopedic-specialized physical therapy team will work closely with your surgeon to establish a personalized rehabilitation plan. Our goal is to return you to an active life and the sports you enjoy. Hoag Orthopedic Institute's sports medicine orthopedic surgeons, volunteer to serve local athletic teams at the sidelines, giving world-class care to the community.

Find out how we can assist you by contacting Hoag Orthopedic Institute today.

Common Causes of Cartilage Damage

The small layer of cartilage surfacing your knee joint performs a critical function not only in allowing your joint to move but also in supporting your weight. Sports injuries that can lead to cartilage damage are those resulting from a forceful impact on the knee joint, such as a tackle in football or rugby, or repetitive pounding-like movements such as jumping or running.

Cartilage restoration may be an option for you if you have experienced cartilage damage or loss due to an injury of the knee or repetitive sports. With cartilage damage or loss, you may experience symptoms such as knee locking, catching, localized pain and swelling. Consult an experienced physician today to find out if reconstructive surgery is the right choice for you.

About Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)

Autologous chondrocyte implantation, also known as ACI, is one of the procedures that you and your doctor may consider for cartilage reconstruction. With ACI, you should prepare for two surgeries. During the first arthroscopic surgery, a few cartilage cells are taken from the knee and transferred to a lab. For four to six weeks, the cells are grown in a culture and multiplied.

The second surgery then takes place wherein a periosteal patch, taken from thick tissue that covers the shin bone, is sutured over the area of the damaged cartilage. The cultured cells are then implanted into the lesion where they will continue to multiply and integrate with surrounding cartilage. Speak with a doctor today to find out if this procedure is right for you.

Other Types of Cartilage Reconstruction Procedures

Another recent cartilage reconstruction procedure involves producing cartilage tissue artificially by placing cells on a porous scaffold material. The cells then grow on this frame, called an artificial scaffold, where they form tissue. When the artificial cartilage is inserted in the patient’s knee, the supporting scaffold is gradually resorbed and only the cartilage tissue remains.

Cartilage repair is also being done through microfracture surgery. The procedure works by creating tiny fractures in the underlying bone. This causes new cartilage to develop from a so-called super clot. The surgery is quick and minimally invasive, and can have a rather short recovery time. Microfracture, ACI and the artificial scaffold are leading edge procedures and techniques.

Helping You Return to an Active, Healthy Life

Post-operative rehabilitation will also be very important when undergoing cartilage reconstruction. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, your physical therapist will be an orthopedic-dedicated specialist working closely with your physician, you and your family in order to help you regain full, optimal use of your knee. To derive maximum benefit from your surgery, you will be asked to adhere to a personalized rehabilitation plan. Contact us today to learn more about your options.