How is a chondral defect of the knee treated?
Cell-based therapy is a promising approach using the patient’s own cells for the treatment of chondral defects. There are marrow stimulating procedures and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Marrow stimulating procedures include abrasion arthroplasty, drilling, and microfracture.
How long does knee microfracture take to heal?
Depending upon the location of the microfracture and the size of the defect, it can take anywhere from 4 to 7 months to be able to heal to the point where patients can increase their activities and potentially initiate occasional impact activities.
How do you fix a chondral defect?
The most commonly performed procedures for treating chondral defects are Shaving and Microfracture. This arthroscopic technique has been popular for 20 years and has had very satisfactory results for over 75% of patients.
Can a chondral defect heal itself?
Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear, and is often referred to as Condral Damage. Because cartilage does not heal itself well, doctors have developed surgical techniques to stimulate the growth of new cartilage. Restoring articular cartilage can relieve pain and allow better function.
Does chondral defect need surgery?
The choice of treatment will depend on the size of the defect, its location, and the patient’s goals. Chondral defects are difficult to treat and can sometimes require surgical repair if all conservative measures have failed.
What is a chondral defect?
A chondral defect refers to a focal area of damage to the articular cartilage (the cartilage that lines the end of the bones).
When can I walk after knee microfracture?
Physicians generally suggest that you walk with crutches, keeping all weight off your injured leg, for about six to eight weeks. Your knee is usually immobilized in a stiff brace for a short period of time, which varies based on the size of the osteochondral defect.
What happens when microfracture fails?
If the injury is large enough to both expose the underlying bone and cause bleeding, a degree of healing can occur. But the repair tissue is usually not the same as the normal cartilage. When the healing is inadequate, pain recurs.
What does full thickness chondral defect mean?
How bad is a chondral defect?
It is a common injury affecting 5-10% of people over age 40, but it can also affect young patients that experience traumatic injuries. Damage to knee cartilage can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee over time. Focal chondral defects are graded by severity.
How long is non weight bearing after microfracture?
While there have been more recent publications of patients achieving satisfactory outcomes with early weightbearing after microfracture as soon as one to two weeks post-operation, most studies recommend a six- to eight-week period of non-weightbearing.
How is microfracture used to treat chondral defects?
Microfracture Technique. Overview. Microfracture is a surgical technique that has been developed to treat chondral defects, which are damaged areas of articular cartilage of the knee. It is a common procedure used to treat patients with full thickness damage to the articular cartilage that goes all the way down to the bone.
When is a microfracture of the knee not recommended?
Microfracture is not recommended when: the patient’s knee is poorly aligned. the patient’s chondral defect is not all the way through the full thickness of the cartilage. the patient is not willing to follow a strict and rigorous rehabilitation protocol.
Can a chondral injury be a direct blow to the knee?
Damage may also be the result of a direct blow to the knee. Chondral injuries may accompany an injury to a ligament, such as the anterior cruciate ligament. Small pieces of the articular cartilage can actually break off and float around in the knee as loose bodies, causing locking, catching, and/or swelling.
What are the different grades of chondral defects?
Grade I – The cartilage “blisters” and becomes soft in the earliest form of damage. Grade II and III – As the condition worsens, the cartilage may become fibrillated (it has a shredded appearance). The grade of injury depends on the size of the involved area and how much of the cartilage thickness is worn down.