Damage to the cartilage within the knee can cause pain, swelling, catching, and difficulty remaining active. Because cartilage has a limited ability to heal, selected patients may benefit from procedures that repair or replace a damaged area of the joint surface.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He develops individualized treatment plans based on the location and size of the cartilage defect, knee alignment, associated injuries, and each patient’s activity goals.
Knee Cartilage Overview
Articular cartilage is the smooth tissue covering the ends of the bones where they meet within the knee joint. It helps the knee move with minimal friction and cushions the bones during walking, running, and other weight-bearing activities.
Cartilage may be damaged by an acute injury, repetitive stress, joint instability, or gradual wear. Because articular cartilage has a limited blood supply, significant defects generally do not heal fully on their own. Depending on the size and location of the damaged area, treatment may focus on repairing, regenerating, or replacing cartilage tissue.
When Is A Knee Cartilage Transplant Procedure Recommended?
A cartilage transplant procedure may be considered for a patient with a localized area of damaged knee cartilage who continues to experience symptoms despite appropriate nonsurgical care. These procedures are most commonly used for active patients whose remaining joint surfaces are relatively healthy.
The goal is to restore the damaged area, improve knee function, and potentially delay further joint deterioration. Cartilage transplantation is generally not intended to treat widespread advanced arthritis.
Factors that may affect candidacy or require additional treatment include:
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Excess body weight
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Abnormal alignment of the leg
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Poor cartilage quality throughout the knee
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A missing or severely damaged meniscus
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A cartilage defect that is too large for the proposed technique
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Untreated ligament instability
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Advanced arthritis in multiple areas of the knee
Dr. Cohen evaluates these factors before recommending a procedure.
Types Of Cartilage Transplant Procedures
The recommended cartilage restoration technique depends on the size and location of the defect, the condition of the surrounding joint, and the patient’s age and activity goals.
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation
During osteochondral autograft transplantation, plugs of healthy cartilage and underlying bone are taken from a lower-load area of the patient’s knee. The grafts are transferred to the damaged area to restore the joint surface.
This technique is generally used for smaller, localized defects and may be performed with arthroscopic assistance.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Osteochondral allograft transplantation uses cartilage and bone from a carefully screened donor. The graft is shaped to fit the damaged area of the knee.
Because donor grafts may be larger than autografts, this procedure can be considered for more extensive cartilage and bone defects. It is commonly performed through an open incision.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a staged procedure. During the first procedure, a small sample of healthy cartilage is collected arthroscopically from a lower-load area of the knee.
The cartilage cells are then processed and expanded in a laboratory. During a later procedure, the cells are implanted into the damaged area to support the development of new cartilage-like tissue.
Cartilage Transplant Technology
Dr. Cohen may use specialized systems to prepare and position cartilage grafts based on the defect’s size, shape, and depth.
For selected osteochondral autograft procedures, the BioUni® OATS® technique may be used to transfer healthy cartilage and bone from another area of the patient’s knee. For qualifying osteochondral allograft procedures, Cartiform® viable osteochondral allograft may be considered to treat certain cartilage defects.
The choice of graft and surgical technique is individualized and depends on the condition of the knee and the characteristics of the damaged area.
Risks And Complications Of Knee Cartilage Transplantation
As with any surgery, cartilage transplant procedures have potential risks and complications.
These may include:
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Infection
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Bleeding
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Blood clots
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Knee stiffness
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Continued pain or swelling
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Overgrowth of the implanted tissue
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Incomplete integration of the graft
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Insufficient cartilage development
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Damage or tearing near the repair site
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Graft failure
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The need for additional surgery
Dr. Cohen reviews the risks associated with the proposed technique, graft source, medical history, and condition of the knee before surgery.
Preoperative And Recovery Support
Dr. Cohen and his team monitor health, activity, and rehabilitation progress before and after cartilage restoration surgery. Selected patients may have access to technology designed to support preparation and recovery.
Prescribe FIT (opens in new tab) may help patients improve health habits and prepare physically before surgery. The Recupe sensor from Plethy (opens in new tab) may be used to monitor participation in prescribed home exercises and track range-of-motion progress during rehabilitation.
These tools supplement regular clinical evaluations, communication with the care team, and formal physical therapy. Availability depends on the patient’s needs and treatment plan.
Osteochondral Autograft
BioUni® OATS® Surgical Technique
Osteochondral Allograft
Cartiform® Viable Osteochondral Allograft
Knee Cartilage Transplant Recovery
Recovery after a cartilage transplant procedure focuses on protecting the graft while gradually restoring knee motion, strength, and function. Early care may include rest, ice, elevation, medication, and keeping the incision clean and dry.
Patients may need:
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Crutches
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A knee brace
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Temporary weight-bearing restrictions
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Range-of-motion exercises
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Physical therapy
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Progressive strengthening
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Gradual return to work, exercise, or sports
The rehabilitation plan depends on the type of transplant, the size and location of the defect, and whether other procedures were performed. High-impact and pivoting activities are restricted until the graft has had sufficient time to heal and Dr. Cohen confirms that progression is appropriate.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Knee Cartilage Transplant Care in Chillicothe, OH
Cartilage transplant procedures may help selected patients with localized knee cartilage damage restore a smoother joint surface and remain active. Dr. Cohen evaluates the cartilage defect, knee alignment, meniscus and ligament health, and previous treatments before recommending care. Each procedure and rehabilitation plan is tailored to the patient’s condition and long-term activity goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call ((614) 788-0375.
