Knee
CARTILAGE GRAFT: WHAT IS IT?
Cartilage covers the bone surfaces in joints. It does not regenerate, or does so very minimally. Its disappearance can cause pain and lead to osteoarthritis in the long term. In cases of limited substance loss, it is possible to fill in the gap with your own cartilage. This is harvested from a healthy area along with the corresponding bone portion in the form of a small cylinder. It is then grafted to fill in the substance loss.
In agreement with your surgeon and according to the benefit-risk balance, a cartilage graft through mosaicplasty has been proposed to you. The surgeon has explained the other alternatives. It goes without saying that your surgeon may, if necessary based on preoperative findings or a difficulty encountered, proceed with another technique deemed by him more beneficial to your specific case.
BEFORE THE TREATMENT:
The diagnosis is refined using various examinations such as MRI and/or arthroscopy. These tests allow the visualization of the loss of cartilaginous substance and the determination of its size. The mosaicplasty technique is often proposed for lesions larger than 1cm².
WHAT TREATMENT?
The surgery is performed under general or regional anesthesia with a tourniquet placed at the root of the thigh. The incision is centered on the cartilaginous lesion and can vary in size depending on the case. The lesion is then visualized and measured.
The harvesting of one or more osteochondral cylinders is carried out on the periphery of the joint. This graft, which includes a bony part and a cartilaginous part, is then placed at the site of the substance loss. Depending on the size of the lesion, several grafts may be harvested and grafted.
AND AFTER?
After the first surgery, you will be prescribed a short-term work stoppage, as well as a few physiotherapy sessions. Full weight-bearing will be allowed immediately. The follow-up is similar to that of a simple arthroscopy.
After the second surgery, your knee will be immobilized in a removable brace in extension between physiotherapy sessions for a duration that will be specified by your surgeon. Weight-bearing will be prohibited for several weeks to several months to protect the cartilage graft. An anticoagulant treatment will be prescribed for the non-weight-bearing period.
Driving will be possible as soon as full weight-bearing is resumed. The return to sports will be delayed for several months (up to 1 year depending on the lesions). A work stoppage of several months will be prescribed depending on your profession.
EXPECTED RESULTS?
The mosaicplasty graft technique is a method used to treat medium-sized lesions. The expected result is an improvement or even disappearance of pain or cracking sounds. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon for more details.
IN SUMMARY:
Knee cartilage grafting by mosaicplasty technique is a procedure indicated for cartilaginous lesions. It is performed in one stage. There are few complications, but the postoperative follow-up is demanding. Recovery after surgery requires several months. The resumption of sports should be gradual and carried out under medical supervision, respecting the time limits given by your surgeon.
