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.
Alignment Correction Surgery/Osteotomy:
This surgery may be recommended when a patient has cartilage damage on one side of the
knee and misalignment of the surrounding bones. Dr. Varkey reshapes either the shin or the
thigh bone around the knee, which transfers stress off the damaged side of the knee to the
healthy side of the knee. This may be done in conjunction with cartilage restoration.
Meniscus Repair and Transplantation:
The meniscus is an important soft structure in the knee that helps with normal function. There are
two menisci in the knee joint, one on each side, which provide a cushion between the shin and thigh
bones. Meniscus tears are a common, painful injury. Sometimes a meniscus tear can be repaired.
Other times, the meniscus is so damaged that repair is impossible. For active younger people with
little to no arthritis in the knee, a meniscus transplant may be indicated. This newer technique can
provide pain relief while allowing patients to preserve their knee joint and remain active.
Osteochondritis Dissecans Repair:
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that develops primarily in children and teens when
the blood supply to a section of a joint, such as the knee, is disrupted, causing a small piece of
bone and cartilage to loosen. In children, this may heal on its own. But in adolescents and older
individuals, surgery may be needed. Several procedures can be performed, including a graft of
bone and cartilage to replace the damaged section of the joint.
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Varkey, please contact Murphy Wainer
Orthopedic Specialists at (336) 375-2300 or use the online form to request an appointment.
(appointment form opens in a new tab or window)
Orthopedic Care for:
bone fractures
joint injuries
joint sprains
torn ligaments
rheumatoid arthritis
muscle strains
acute back pain
neck pain
sports injuries
musculoskelatal trauma
Specializing in:
orthopedic surgery
total knee replacement
patellar instability surgery
outpatient joint replacement
total shoulder replacement
Tommy John surgery
ACL reconstruction
arthroscopy
rotator cuff surgery
meniscus repair
Convenient Locations in:
Randolph County, Guilford County,
Forsyth County, Davidson County, and
areas of Rockingham County and
Alamance County, Greensboro, High
Point, Winston-Salem, Kernersville,
Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Stokesdale,
Colfax, Pleasant Garden, Reidsville,
Browns Summit, Gibsonville, Whitsett,
McLeansville,Julian, Jamestown
and surrounding areas
Dr. Dax Varkey
Murphy Wainer
Orthopedic Specialists
1130 North Church Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336.375.2300
Fax: 336.375.2314
mwo @ sosbonedocs.com