Surgical options for early arthritis in young persons and athletes: the role of meniscus transplants, microfracture, Osteoarticular Transplants (OATs), Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) and osteotomy

Edited By: Christopher J. Wahl, M.D., Suzanne L. Slaney, PA-C, ATC, MMS
Last updated Friday, June 30, 2006

Conclusion

Summary of microfracture, meniscal transplantation, osteoarticular allograft/autograft transplants (oats), autologous chondrocyte implantation (aci) and ostotomy for arthritis in the athlete. for arthritis, osteochondral defects (ocd lesions), meniscus transplantation and cartilage loss in the knee.

THE FIVE THINGS ONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE TREATMENT ARTICULAR CARTILAGE DEFECTS AND MENISCAL REPLACEMENT:

1. These are complex injuries that are usually related to multiple variables, such as limb alignment, traumatic injury, and the patient’s health.
2. In most cases, these are NOT surgical emergencies, but will require a comprehensive treatment program by orthopaedic sports medicine/trauma specialists who are experienced in treating these injuries, in a setting with a dedicated, experienced operative team.  The experienced surgeon will be able to draw from a variety of potential treatments to suit the individual needs of the patient and to optimize successful recovery.
3. The goal of surgery is to recover knee comfort and function by restoring the anatomic relationships and normal kinetic function of the knee joint.  The surgery CANNOT eliminate the possibility of developing arthritis in the knee joint. 
4. The surgery must be perceived as a process, not an event:  there is a strict postoperative regimen that must be closely followed to assure the success of the procedure.  Depending on the procedure, the complete rehabilitation process takes about 6 to 12 months.
5. In most cases, the combination of articular cartilage restoration, realignment (when indicated), and therapy will re-establish a functional, comfortable range of motion without pain and allow a person to return to normal activities and sports such as golf, tennis, and skiing.

Surgery for Arthritis, osteochondral defects (OCD lesions), meniscus transplantation and cartilage loss in the knee. at the University of Washington

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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