Cartilage lesions in the knee can be treated in several ways depending on the severity of the lesion and the overall health of the patient. Here are some treatment options:
Mild cartilage lesions may be treated without surgery. This can include physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee, using crutches or a brace to help reduce weight bearing on the knee, and taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If non-surgical treatments are not effective, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon makes small incisions in the knee and inserts a small camera and surgical tools to remove the damaged tissue or regularize the cartilage.
For larger cartilage lesions, a cartilage repair procedure may be necessary. This can include procedures such as microfracture, OATS, scaffold-based techniques, or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).
In severe cases where the damage is too extensive, knee replacement surgery may be necessary. This involves removing the damaged knee joint and replacing it with a prosthetic joint.
(Treatment will depend on the location and size of the lesion, as well as overall health and level of physical activity).
Microfracture: In this procedure, small holes are drilled into the bone below the cartilage lesion. This creates a blood clot that promotes the growth of new cartilage. Microfracture is typically used for smaller lesions and is often performed during arthroscopic surgery. This may be done using a specialized drill, such as an awl or microfracture pick.
Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS): In OATS, healthy cartilage and bone tissue are harvested from a non-weight-bearing area of the knee and transferred to the lesion area. OATS is often used for small to medium-sized lesions. Instruments used in OATS may include a chisel, osteotome, or drill to remove the graft, as well as specialized equipment for grafting, preparation and placement.
Allograft Transplantation: Allograft transplantation involves transplanting healthy cartilage tissue from a donor.
This procedure is often used for larger lesions that cannot be treated with other techniques. Instruments used in Allograft Transplantation include a holder to model the graft, and instruments used to measure, cut, model and fix the graft.
Scaffold-based Repair: In this approach, a scaffold made of biocompatible material is placed in the lesion site and serves as a template for new cartilage growth. This technique can be combined with bone marrow stimulation and Ortobiologics, to enhance cartilage repair. Instruments used in this technique may include a punch or drill to create the lesion, as well as specialized equipment for scaffold preparation and placement
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): ACI involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells from the patient’s own body and growing them in a laboratory for several weeks. The cells are then implanted back into the knee to repair the damaged cartilage. ACI is often used for larger lesions and may require a larger incision
Instruments used in ACI may include a biopsy punch to collect the cartilage cells, as well as specialized equipment for cell culture and expansion.
It is important to evaluate the various options to determine which approach is best suited for the specific patient and the nature of cartilage lesion. The specific instruments used for cartilage repair will vary depending on the type and extent of the damage, as well as the specific procedure being performed. A surgeon will determine the best approach and instruments to use based on the patient’s individual needs and the nature of the injury.
The Rekon Chondroplasty System was developed to support some of the most challenging procedures for cartilage regeneration, standardizing the treatment of articular cartilage lesions. With the Chondroplasty System, you will have the best tools to regularize and resect the cartilage lesion, ensuring that the edges of the defect are perpendicular, thus properly
exposing the subchondral bone and to make multiple perforations, guaranteeing access to the medullary and adequate bleeding for clot formation. To support the surgical need, the chondroplasty blade guarantees a precise cut of the cartilage, and the scaffold, exactly in the same size as the defect, without the use of an aluminum template
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The Chondroplasty System, developed by Rekon, was designed to standardize the treatment of articular cartilage injuries in the knee and talus.
The actual cartilage defects are bigger and more complex than the RCT images. The right examination in the operation site is fundamental to decide the right approach. The adequate resection of the defect is crucial for treatment success, therefore, the right instrument can provide the ideal support to obtain success easier, more precise, and faster
Mini arthrotomy to access the defect site
Measuring with the test body
With the proper chondroplasty blade, establish the defect’s extension.
Remove the damaged tissue and expose the subchondral bone.
With the helicoidal multi drill, stimulate the bone to guarantee adequate bleeding and clot formation.
With the same chondroplasty blade used to delimitate the defect, cut the membrane.
Place the membrane into the defect and fix it with your preferred technique. Resorbable sutures and/or fibrine glue
With the Chondroplasty System, you will have the best tools to smooth and debride the cartilage lesion, ensuring that the edges of the defect are perpendicular. It allows you to prepare the defect bed, adequately exposing the subchondral bone and making multiple perforations to access the marrow and promote proper bleeding for clot formation.
