Overview

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body. It is a firm, rubbery substance that provides structure, support, and cushioning to different areas, such as joints, the nose, ears, and certain respiratory system parts. This cushiony support allows joints to avoid direct contact. This support might wear and tear with age or due to an external injury. Hence, the joints might lose support, leading to direct bone friction. The condition leads to extreme joint pain, inability to walk or stand for long hours, and similar issues. Cartilage repair or restoration is helpful under such circumstances. The surgery helps remove the damaged part of the cartilage and lower the pain immediately. The surgery allows the patient to resume routine activities after the rest of a few weeks.

What is cartilage repair or restoration?

Cartilage repair refers to the process of restoring damaged or injured cartilage in the body. Since cartilage is limited to self-repair, interventions are often necessary to promote healing and restore its function. The specific approach to cartilage repair depends on the extent and location of the damage, as well as individual factors such as age and overall health.

How is cartilage repaired or restoration done?

Cartilage repair or restoration techniques aim to stimulate the growth of new cartilage or replace damaged cartilage. This can be achieved through autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), which involves removing healthy cartilage cells from the patient, culturing them in a laboratory, and implanting them into the damaged area. Other methods help promote cartilage healing and restore joint function.

The other procedures that are helpful in cartilage restoration depend upon the vital stats of the patient-

- Drilling- Drilling is a cartilage repair procedure involving small holes to promote blood flow and new tissue growth. The holes allow blood vessels and bone marrow cells to reach the damaged site, initiating a healing response.
- Microfracture- Microfracture is a more precise procedure. It involves making small perforations in the damaged cartilage without penetrating the underlying bone. These perforations create blood clots that release reparative cells from the bone marrow, which can develop into new cartilage-like tissue over time.
- Abrasion arthroplasty- Abrasion arthroplasty is a cartilage repair procedure that involves smoothing or scraping damaged cartilage to promote new tissue growth.
- Osteochondral allograft transplantation- It is a cartilage repair procedure that involves replacing damaged cartilage with donated grafts from a cadaver.
- Mosaicplasty- It involves transferring small plugs of healthy cartilage from unaffected areas to replace damaged regions.
- Tissue-engineered constructs- It uses scaffolds, and cells are also being explored to regenerate cartilage.

Risks of Cartilage Repair Surgery

Mentioned below are some of the complications that can occur in a cartilage restoration:

- Bleeding- Bleeding during cartilage repair surgery can happen due to damage caused to the nerves and tissues surrounding the surgical area. Bleeding can worsen the situation if not treated on time. Professional medical care can help to lower the bleeding.
- Infection- Although infection rarely happens in the case of a minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery, bacteria can enter the surgery site through the incision if closed incorrectly. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in the surgical area and weaken a patient internally.
- Blood Clot- Blood clot is another common complication observed in surgery. Tissues, debris, and fat flow into the blood during an operation that can accumulate in the body during the surgery and result in a blood clot.
- Pain- An individual may feel pain after surgery. It subsides as the wound heals.

Who needs cartilage restoration?

Mentioned below are the conditions defining the requirements of cartilage repair:

- Failure of non-surgical treatments
- Wear and tear of cartilage
- External injury to the cartilage
- People suffering from prolonged joint pain

Advantages of Cartilage Restoration

- Lowers Pain- Cartilage repair surgery helps to decrease joint pain. Wear and tear of cartilage of external injury leads to friction between the joints. It leads to pain. The surgery helps remove damaging cartilage and lower the pain immediately. Hence, the surgery is helpful for people suffering from pain for a long time.
- Resume Schedule Activities- Extreme joint pain hampers leading a normal life. Surgery helps to improve the condition by lowering pain. Hence, the individual can resume normal activities such as walking, standing, and squatting.
- Post-Surgery Guidelines Icing- An operated individual may experience swelling after the surgery. Icing helps to lower the pain and swelling. A doctor may suggest icing for a few days to control excessive swelling and remove the surgical area from pain.
- Support for Walking- A doctor recommends crutches or a walker to avoid excessive pressure over the operated knee. These supports help the individual to walk safely and comfortably.
- Medicines- Medicines given by doctors to lower pain after surgery are vital. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. Antibiotics and anticoagulants may also be prescribed.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Cartilage repair helps to get rid of damaging parts of the cartilage. The surgery lowers pain and allows the patient to resume the regular schedule within a few days. Choosing the correct form of surgery depends upon the patient's vital stats.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/knee-arthroscopy-procedure-risks-post-surgery-care/
- https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/articular-cartilage-restoration/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/knee-replacement-surgery-procedure