Knee Cartilage Rejuvenation - Chondroplasty + stem cells / PRP

Knee cartilage rejuvenation refers to various medical treatments aimed at repairing or regenerating damaged cartilage in the knee joint. Cartilage is a smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones, helping to cushion and protect the joints during movement. Damage to the knee cartilage can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, and may contribute to conditions like osteoarthritis.

Key Points:
- **Purpose**: Cartilage rejuvenation aims to restore the function and health of the knee joint by repairing or regenerating damaged cartilage, reducing pain, and improving joint mobility. It is often sought after by patients with cartilage damage due to injury, wear and tear, or early-stage arthritis.

- **Treatment Options**:
  - **Microfracture surgery**: A technique that creates tiny holes in the bone beneath the damaged cartilage to stimulate the growth of new cartilage.
  - **Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)**: Involves harvesting a patient’s own cartilage cells, growing them in a lab, and then re-implanting them into the damaged area.
  - **Osteochondral Autograft/Allograft Transplantation**: Transfers healthy cartilage and underlying bone from another part of the knee or from a donor to replace damaged tissue.
  - **Stem cell therapy**: Uses stem cells to promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. This is still an emerging treatment with ongoing research.
  - **Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy**: Involves injecting a concentration of the patient's platelets into the knee to promote healing and tissue regeneration.

- **Recovery**: Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and the extent of cartilage damage. Physical therapy is typically required to regain strength and range of motion. Full recovery can take several months.

- **Outcomes**: Cartilage rejuvenation treatments can reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow down or even prevent the progression of joint degeneration. Younger patients and those with less severe damage generally experience better outcomes.

- **Risks**: While generally safe, risks may include infection, stiffness, or failure of the procedure to fully restore cartilage health. Long-term success can vary based on the patient’s age, activity level, and overall knee condition.

Knee cartilage rejuvenation aims to restore knee function, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life, especially for individuals looking to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.

 

Dr. Darshan Angadi, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director, will support you throughout every stage of your treatment and recovery after your knee cartilage rejuvenation procedure, ensuring the best possible outcome.