Surgical techniques
Depending on the findings, different cartilage surgery techniques may be considered. For smaller defects, bone-marrow-stimulating procedures (e.g. microfracture) can encourage the formation of replacement cartilage. For localised cartilage-bone defects, the transplantation of cartilage-bone cylinders (osteochondral transplantation) is possible. For larger defects, the transplantation of previously harvested and laboratory-cultured cartilage cells (autologous chondrocyte implantation) may be considered.
Accompanying measures
Cartilage damage often does not occur in isolation. Accompanying causes such as axial misalignment, ligament instability or meniscus damage should be identified and, where appropriate, treated during the same procedure or in stages, in order to secure the long-term result.
Aftercare
Aftercare depends on the chosen procedure as well as on the size and location of the damage. As a rule, temporary relief of weight-bearing with walking aids and a controlled, gradual increase in weight-bearing under physiotherapeutic guidance are required. The individual aftercare plan is discussed in detail at the practice.