Orthopaedics – Surgeries – Treatment
Shoulder Condition Treatment
Cartilage Transplantation
Articular cartilage is a soft tissue that covers the joints, protecting them from wear and friction. Its deterioration causes pain, fluid in the joint, and, in some cases, the release of loose bodies from broken cartilage fragments. Diagnosis is made through MRI, which determines the extent and severity of the damage in order to decide on the appropriate treatment.
For minor lesions, conservative treatment is preferred, including anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, and, if necessary, intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or PRP. When conservative measures are insufficient, an arthroscopic technique is used to clean the joint, remove loose bodies, and repair microfractures. In more severe cases, cartilage cell transplantation may be required.
Innovative Techniques
For larger lesions, the “minced cartilage” technique is used, where cartilage from the area around the lesion is taken by arthroscopy, crushed and mixed with PRP and thrombin. The mixture is applied to the affected area, enhancing cartilage regeneration. This technique has the advantage of being completed in a single surgery.
In very severe cases, such as in the knee, an osteotomy to relieve the joint or arthroplasty may be required. Other options include microfractures, drillings and transplantation of autografts or osteochondral grafts.
Recovery is long and requires meticulous physiotherapy for full recovery. After a year, the patient may have new, healthy cartilage in the joint.
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