Cartilage Restoration & Knee Preservation

Sometimes the cause of knee pain is damage to the cartilage in the knee joint from an injury, wear and tear, or developmental issues. Dr. Varkey has advanced fellowship training in leading-edge procedures that can alleviate pain and help some patients avoid or delay a knee replacement. Cartilage Restoration: Articular cartilage is a smooth white substance that lines the ends of your thigh and shin bones where they come together at the kneecap. It provides lubrication that allows for smooth, pain-free movement of the joint. This cartilage can be damaged in sports, at work or even in daily activities. Unfortunately, cartilage does not regenerate or heal on its own. If the cartilage thins to the point that there is no lubrication between the bones, arthritis develops. What procedures can help? Non-operative and operative procedures can be performed to repair or replace damaged cartilage with the goal of relieving pain and restoring better function. Which patients are the best candidates for cartilage restoration? Typically, cartilage restoration is recommended for patients who are under the age of 40, have an active lifestyle, and are experiencing symptoms. Dr. Varkey also looks at each individual patient’s anatomy, the injury that caused the damage, and the stability of the knee. Cartilage restoration is not generally recommended for older patients or for those who have osteoarthritis. What are the advantages of cartilage restoration? Treatment can help patients return to an active lifestyle while retaining their knee joints. After recovery, these patients can often resume high-impact activities – such as running – that generally are not recommended after knee replacement surgery. Undergoing cartilage restoration before arthritis develops also can delay or eliminate the need for a knee replacement.