Cartilage Restoration

What is cartilage and why does it matter?

Articular cartilage is the covering on the ends of bones which allows them to smoothly glide past one another during movement. This cartilage acts as a cushion and takes stress off of the underlying bones. While cartilage damage itself does not cause pain, it does result in increased stress on the underlying bone and inflammation in the joint. These two consequences can result in a significant amount of pain.
Depending on the extent of damage, the patient’s age, and the presence of additional injuries to the joint, Dr. Burrus has several treatment options.

How is it treated?

Non-operative
The recommendations to avoid surgery can include weight loss, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, specialized knee braces, steroid injections, and hyaluronic acid injections (also known as gel, cushion, or rooster comb injections).

Operative
To repair, replace or restore articular cartilage, there are multiple options which must be individualized to each patient. Whereas sometimes a simple clean-out surgery will help alleviate the symptoms, there are multiple more restorative options which each have very specific criteria. Dr. Burrus has specialized training and experience with these options and will be able to help make the right decision for each patient.

Cartiform® Viable Osteochondral Allograft

Cartilage Repair with Arthrex® BioCartilage®

Microfracture with Arthrex® PowerPick™

BioUni® OATS® Surgical Technique

Intrasseous BioPlasty® (IOBP) Surgical Technique – Direct Approach

HTO with Arthrex® iBalance® HTO

How MACI Works