There are various surgical methods for repairing or restoring cartilage. Nevertheless, the cartilage reconstruction procedures employed in Crofton, MD, and Woodbridge, Chantilly, and Sterling, VA, by the Potomac Podiatry Group will be discussed below.
Microfracture
Microfracture is a surgical technique promoting cartilage regeneration by creating micro holes on the joint's surface. These holes connect to bone marrow, releasing cells that can create new cartilage.
The idea behind this procedure is that by stimulating new cartilage growth in this area, your joint will be better than it would have been without surgery. It works by releasing the bone marrow and creating a blood clot in the damaged area of cartilage. This clot then fills with cells that will grow new cartilage.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation is a cartilage repair procedure that utilizes your cells to rebuild damaged cartilage in your joint. This surgery can reduce pain, help you regain function, and even delay or prevent arthritis from developing.
This technique involves harvesting small pieces of healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing area and growing it in the lab for four to six weeks. Once enough cells have grown, they are injected back into the damaged area for repair.
Osteochondral Autograft
An osteochondral autograft transfer is a surgical procedure in which one or more small cylindrical osteochondral grafts from an area of the knee that bears less weight are transplanted to fill in any chondral defects. These grafts are usually inserted through small incisions and secured with metallic screws or pins.
Treatment of focal defects in articular cartilage has been described through various procedures. Some are relatively recent, while others have been around for years.
Osteochondral transplantation, mosaicplasty, and microfracture have been demonstrated to be cartilage reconstruction procedures in Crofton, MD, and Woodbridge, Chantilly, and Sterling, VA, for single focal full-thickness articular cartilage defects.
Allografts
Our doctors can use allografts (tissue from someone else) to reconstruct your joint. These grafts may include bone, ligament, cartilage, tendon, or a section of the skin or placental tissue.
Allografts are an ideal solution for many who require surgery. They're safe, convenient, and lower the risk of disease transmission than grafts from your own body.
Another advantage of allografts is that they help prevent future bone loss, giving you a healthier and stronger body. But, unfortunately, your body may take longer to accept the graft, meaning recovery may take longer as well.
Call Potomac Podiatry Group today.
You can reach them in:
- Woodbridge, VA, by calling (703) 583-5959
- Chantilly, VA, by calling (703) 490-5599
- Sterling, VA, by calling (703) 444-9555
- Crofton, MD, by calling (410) 721-4505