Cartilage Restoration

In some patients, an injury or crater can occur in the joint cartilage on the end of the bone. Various methods may be used to treat the cartilage loss. The following methods are used primarily for young patients with moderate or isolated cartilage injury.

• Microfracture Marrow-stimulation:  Microfracture uses an arthroscope and small awl to create small channels into the exposed bone. These holes allow stem cells and bone marrow to fill the cartilage defect and grow a new type of cartilage. This procedure is done at one surgery but is reserved for small areas of damage.

• Cartilage Transfer (OATS® - Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System):  Direct cartilage transfer takes healthy cartilage and moves it to the damaged area of cartilage. This procedure is done at one surgery but is reserved for younger patients with small defects, not for patients with significant arthritis.

• Cartilage Implantation (ACI – Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation):  Cartilage cells can be harvested during an arthroscopic procedure and grown in a lab for later implantation. These cells are then implanted into the defect at a second surgery. This procedure requires two separate surgeries and is reserved for younger patients with larger defects, but not for patients with significant arthritis.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hurst, please contact us at (614) 221-6331