Cartilage Restoration Surgery for Knee Pain |Dr. Avishkar Patil

Knee joint issues, especially cartilage damage, can severely impact your quality of life. As a leading Consultant Joint Replacement Surgeon in Nashik, Dr. Avishkar Patil offers cutting-edge solutions like Cartilage Restoration Surgery to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and avoid the need for full knee replacement. If you’re dealing with knee pain due to cartilage damage, this surgery could be the answer to your problem.

Understanding Cartilage Damage

Cartilage is a smooth, flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing for smooth movement. When this cartilage is damaged—due to injury, aging, or conditions like osteoarthritis—it can lead to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. In severe cases, the cartilage may wear away entirely, exposing the underlying bone, which causes intense pain and further joint damage.

Traditional treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can offer temporary relief, but when the cartilage damage is extensive, more advanced treatments like Cartilage Restoration Surgery become essential.

What is Cartilage Restoration Surgery?

Cartilage Restoration Surgery, also known as cartilage repair or cartilage regeneration surgery, is a procedure designed to repair or replace damaged cartilage in the knee joint. Unlike a full knee replacement, this surgery focuses on restoring the existing cartilage rather than replacing the entire joint, making it an excellent option for patients who are not yet candidates for total knee replacement but are suffering from significant cartilage damage.

Dr. Avishkar Patil specializes in several techniques of cartilage restoration, including:

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): This technique involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells from the patient’s own knee, growing them in a lab, and then re-implanting them into the damaged area. This method helps regenerate new, healthy cartilage.
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OAT): In this procedure, healthy cartilage and bone are taken from a less critical part of the knee and transplanted into the damaged area. This helps restore the joint's function and alleviate pain.
Microfracture Surgery: In microfracture surgery, small holes are drilled into the bone beneath the damaged cartilage to stimulate the growth of new cartilage. This method is often used for smaller cartilage defects and can be performed with minimally invasive techniques.
Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI): This advanced technique involves implanting a collagen matrix that is seeded with the patient’s own cartilage cells. This process helps promote the growth of new cartilage and restores joint function.

Benefits of Cartilage Restoration Surgery

Cartilage Restoration Surgery offers several advantages over traditional knee replacement, especially for younger, active patients or those with localized cartilage damage:

Preservation of Natural Joint: The surgery focuses on repairing and preserving the natural joint, which is essential for maintaining the joint's function and long-term health.
Faster Recovery Time: Compared to full knee replacement, cartilage restoration typically involves a quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.
Reduced Risk of Osteoarthritis: By restoring the cartilage, this surgery helps protect the knee from further wear and tear, reducing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Improved Mobility and Function: After recovery, patients experience improved knee function, mobility, and a significant reduction in pain.

When is Cartilage Restoration Surgery Recommended?

Dr. Avishkar Patil typically recommends Cartilage Restoration Surgery for patients who:

Have localized cartilage damage (usually less than 2-3 cm in size).
Are experiencing knee pain that affects daily activities but are not yet candidates for knee replacement surgery.
Are younger and more active, with a desire to preserve their joint and avoid a full knee replacement.
Have failed conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.

What to Expect During the Surgery

Cartilage Restoration Surgery is typically performed under general or regional anesthesia, and the technique used will depend on the extent and location of the cartilage damage. The surgery may take 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Post-surgery, patients are usually required to stay in the hospital for a day or two for observation.

A rehabilitation program, including physical therapy, is crucial for ensuring the success of the surgery and restoring function. This may take several months, but most patients start noticing improvements in their mobility and pain levels within 3-6 months.

Cartilage Restoration Surgery is an excellent alternative for patients suffering from cartilage damage in the knee, providing a chance to restore joint function without undergoing a full knee replacement. If you’re looking for a specialized, minimally invasive treatment to relieve knee pain and improve mobility, Dr. Avishkar Patil in Nashik offers expert care and advanced treatment options tailored to your needs. Don’t let knee pain hold you back—schedule a consultation with Dr. Patil today and take the first step towards a pain-free life.

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