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When knee pain starts to get in the way of daily life or your favorite activities, it’s time to look at solutions. For many, knee cartilage damage is the culprit behind discomfort and limited mobility. If you’ve been wondering whether you are an eligible candidate for knee cartilage replacement, you’re not alone.
Let’s take a closer look at what cartilage is, how it gets damaged, and how replacement or repair surgery can help.
Cartilage is that smooth, cushion-like tissue in your knee joint that lets your bones glide over each other when you move. Think of it like the padding in your shoes—over time, it can wear down. When the cartilage gets damaged, whether from a sports injury, knee osteoarthritis, or just plain old wear and tear, it doesn’t fix itself easily. That’s where the trouble starts.
Knee cartilage damage can lead to stiffness, knee pain, and a loss of mobility. The frustrating part? Healthy cartilage doesn’t grow back on its own, which means things can get worse if not addressed. For many people dealing with knee injuries or ongoing joint pain, knee cartilage repair or replacement surgery can offer some real relief.
Today’s treatment options, including techniques like cartilage regeneration, autologous chondrocyte implantation, or even osteochondral autograft, are designed to repair or replace that damaged tissue. Whether it’s a small tear or something more serious, surgeons have ways to help your knee move more comfortably again.
Not everyone with knee pain needs cartilage repair, but there are some clear signs that could make you a good candidate. Generally, younger, active people who’ve suffered an injury—like a torn meniscus or damage from a fall—are prime candidates. If you're still dealing with pain or mobility issues even after trying less invasive options like physical therapy or injections, cartilage repair surgery might be worth considering.
Those with knee osteoarthritis or more widespread joint damage may need a different approach, such as a total knee replacement. The key is catching cartilage damage before it spreads or worsens. Surgeons often recommend cartilage repair surgery for people with localized damage where the surrounding tissue is still healthy.
In short, if your knee injury isn’t getting better and you’re looking to stay active, it might be time to explore repair options. But don’t worry—your surgeon will help shape a treatment plan based on your knee’s specific needs.
Knee cartilage replacement can be a game changer for those dealing with joint pain. One of the biggest benefits is getting back to a more active lifestyle. When the cartilage is damaged, even small activities like walking or climbing stairs can be uncomfortable. Cartilage repair or replacement helps reduce that pain and improve mobility, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities again.
For those who are younger and active, repairing the damaged cartilage early can prevent more significant issues later in life, like needing a total knee replacement. Many of the procedures available today, such as cartilage regeneration and autologous chondrocyte implantation, are designed to restore healthy cartilage, which keeps the knee joint functioning well.
It’s also worth noting that these procedures are often less invasive than a full knee replacement, which means a quicker recovery and a lower risk of complications. If you're looking to avoid bigger surgeries and maintain a more natural feel in your knee joint, cartilage repair surgery is a solid treatment option.
Several options are available for repairing damaged knee cartilage, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common procedures include microfracture surgery, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and osteochondral autograft transplantation.
Microfracture surgery
This is one of the more common techniques. During this procedure, the surgeon creates tiny holes in the bone beneath the damaged cartilage, encouraging new cartilage to grow. However, while the initial success rate is promising—improving symptoms by 60–70% for up to two years—the fibrocartilage that forms is weaker than the original, which can lead to declining effectiveness over time.
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)
A more advanced method, ACI uses your own cartilage cells to repair the damaged area. These cells are harvested, grown in a lab, and then implanted back into the knee, allowing for better cartilage regeneration.
Osteochondral autograft transplantation
In this technique, healthy cartilage from another part of your knee is transferred to the damaged area. This method is especially helpful for small, isolated areas of damage.
Each of these options is designed to help relieve knee pain and improve mobility, but the right procedure will depend on your specific condition.
Diagnosing knee cartilage damage usually involves a physical exam and some imaging tests. Your doctor will assess how your knee moves and check for swelling, pain, or stiffness. From there, an X-ray may be used to rule out bone issues, while MRI scans provide a detailed look at the soft tissue, showing the extent of the cartilage damage.
In some cases, a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy allows the doctor to see the knee’s cartilage directly using a tiny camera.
While knee cartilage transplants and repairs are generally successful, they do come with some potential risks. These can include infection, blood clots, and, in some cases, the body may not integrate the new cartilage properly with the surrounding tissue. Additionally, with procedures like microfracture surgery, the newly formed fibrocartilage may not be as durable as the original, leading to a decline in effectiveness over time.
Still, for many people, these surgeries provide much-needed relief, with some success rates showing significant symptom improvement for the first couple of years.
Knee cartilage repair offers hope to many dealing with joint pain and mobility issues. While there are several procedures to choose from, each comes with its own benefits and risks. If you're struggling with cartilage damage, a professional consultation can help you decide the best path forward.
At Sunnyvale Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, our experienced team is here to guide you through the options and help restore your knee's function so you can get back to doing what you love.