Knee pain is a widespread issue that can significantly affect mobility and overall well-being. Whether caused by sports injuries or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, it often worsens over time. Treatment for knee pain varies depending on the patient’s condition and its severity. Options range from lifestyle adjustments, such as weight management and physiotherapy, to more advanced interventions like injections and surgical procedures.
Dr. Hamid Razak, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Total Orthopaedic Care & Surgery, explains that for moderate knee conditions, treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or hyaluronic acid injections can help reduce pain and encourage healing. However, for more severe cases, surgical options like cartilage repair, meniscus repair, or osteotomy (realignment of the knee joint) may be necessary. Total knee replacement is typically considered only when other treatments fail to provide relief.
Cartilage Repair: A Crucial Solution for Knee Function
Cartilage repair is increasingly recognized as an effective surgical treatment for restoring the knee’s natural function. Dr. Hamid emphasizes that the approach is tailored to the specific needs of the patient, taking into account the size, location, and severity of the cartilage damage.
“Cartilage repair focuses on addressing the damaged surface of the knee joint, improving its natural cushioning and smoothness,” said Dr. Hamid. “It’s similar to patching a worn-out tyre to ensure a smooth ride. Early intervention not only prevents further damage but also helps alleviate pain caused by bone-on-bone friction.”
Techniques for Cartilage Repair
There are several techniques for cartilage repair, ranging from the use of hyaluronic acid-based scaffolds to allograft osteochondral plugs, where healthy donor cartilage and bone are used to repair damaged areas. In some cases, these methods are combined with ortho-biologic products, such as bone marrow aspirate concentrate and mesenchymal stem cells, which promote tissue healing.
Is Cartilage Repair Right for You?
While cartilage repair is often most effective for patients with well-aligned knees and healthy meniscus tissue, age is becoming less of a limiting factor as more older adults lead active lifestyles. Dr. Hamid recalls treating a 60-year-old badminton player who chose cartilage repair over a total knee replacement. With proper alignment and stable ligaments, the patient was able to return to his sport without difficulty.
Athletes can also benefit from cartilage repair. For example, Dr. Hamid treated a young athlete in his mid-20s, who was able to return to his sport just nine months after undergoing cartilage repair with a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold combined with mesenchymal stem cells.
“The stem cells act as a repair crew,” explained Dr. Hamid. “The scaffold serves as their ‘home base,’ anchoring them at the damaged site, where they transform into cartilage-producing cells to restore the joint’s natural cartilage.”
The Role of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Scaffolds in Cartilage Repair
Unlike metal implants or total knee replacements, hyaluronic acid-based scaffolds support the growth of new cartilage while preserving the knee’s natural structure. These scaffolds also reduce the risk of biofilm-related infections – resistant bacterial infections that can complicate implant surgeries.
Dr. Hamid enhances the effectiveness of cartilage repair by using autologous minced cartilage, which is combined with hyaluronic acid-based scaffolds. This approach utilizes the patient’s healthy cartilage to support the repair process and improve the durability of the procedure.
Widely used by orthopaedic surgeons around the world for over a decade, hyaluronic acid-based scaffolds are free of animal by-products, making them suitable for most patients, including Muslims, vegetarians, and vegans. The procedure is typically performed through minimally invasive arthroscopy, which minimizes tissue damage, accelerates recovery, and allows patients to return home within one or two days.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Cartilage Repair
Most patients can resume light activities within weeks of the procedure, with physiotherapy starting almost immediately. While high-impact activities like running and jumping should be avoided for three to six months, a personalized rehabilitation plan with a physiotherapist supports recovery during this period.
Dr. Hamid also points out that cartilage repair with hyaluronic acid can reduce the likelihood of requiring complex revision surgeries in the future. He notes that younger patients who undergo total knee replacements face a high risk of revision, according to a study in The Lancet. Cartilage repair offers an alternative by addressing damage early and potentially delaying or even eliminating the need for a total knee replacement.
Consulting a Specialist for the Best Treatment Option
Dr. Hamid advises patients to consult with an orthopaedic specialist to determine if hyaluronic acid-based scaffolds are a suitable option. “This treatment can be effective in many cases, but it’s essential to consider each case individually. Early intervention is key to managing knee issues and optimizing results.”
Ultimately, cartilage repair is a promising solution for those suffering from knee pain, offering a chance to restore knee function and avoid more invasive procedures like total knee replacement.
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