All About Cartilage Replacement

Cartilage is an integral part of every joint; it provides cushioning and support to protect the bones and allow the joint to move without pain. However, over time, the cartilage breaks down due to injuries or arthritis.

As cartilage decreases, pain increases and may become chronic, decreasing joint function. If you're experiencing foot or ankle pain and need an evaluation, come to Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute, which has offices in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Jefferey E. McAlister and his team offer cutting-edge foot and ankle treatments, including cartilage repair, minimally invasive surgery, and regenerative medicine for issues like ankle arthritis.

The facts about cartilage

Cartilage is an essential component of the joint. It's a tough but flexible tissue that protects the bones from friction and absorbs shocks to the joints. There are several types of cartilage in the joints, including hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage.

Although the cartilage is tough, it's prone to everyday wear-and-tear from sports or demanding jobs. Over time, the cartilage wears away or breaks off from injury, leaving the bones and joints vulnerable to friction and pain.

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of cartilage damage. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that wears cartilage down, often causing chronic joint pain.

What is cartilage replacement?

Just because cartilage wears away doesn't mean it's gone forever — at least not with professional care. Dr. McAlister offers various forms of cartilage repair, including minimally invasive surgical techniques and regenerative medicine.

The key to finding cartilage damage is through imaging studies like an MRI. These images allow Dr. McAlister to pinpoint the areas of cartilage damage and to create a plan of action.

Regenerative medicine is an excellent option for stem cells or platelets to trigger the body's healing response. The result is enhanced tissue repair and growth that restores cartilage-like tissue in areas of damage.

For severe osteoarthritis or talar dome lesions, Dr. McAlister may need surgery to fix the cartilage damage. He replaces the cartilage with other tissues or methods that protect the joint surfaces. Types of cartilage replacement include:

Microfracture

Microfracture is a technique Dr. McAlister uses during minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. He uses a surgical drill to make holes in the bone under the cartilage to stimulate new growth of cartilage-like tissue.

Osteochondral autograft transfer

An OATS procedure is another way Dr. McAlister replaces damaged cartilage. He takes healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing part of another joint, such as the knee, and transplants it into a lesion in the ankle.

Over time, the transplanted cartilage becomes one with the original cartilage around the defect to protect the bones and reduce pain in the joint.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation

A newer type of procedure is the ACI, which is the most effective option. Dr. McAlister harvests healthy cartilage cells from the joint and sends them to a lab. The lab grows the cells into a healthy piece of cartilage that he places back in the defect to regenerate actual cartilage tissue.

Who needs cartilage replacement surgery?

If you have osteoarthritis of the ankle or a talar dome lesion, you may require cartilage replacement surgery. We often suggest conservative measures first, including physical therapy, NSAIDs, and bracing, to reduce stress on the joint and help with pain.

However, cartilage replacement surgery is the best option if conservative measures aren't working or if the cartilage defect is severe. Dr. McAlister evaluates your ankle and imaging studies to determine the best method for your needs.

Call Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute today to schedule an appointment to discuss cartilage replacement, or request a consultation on our website.