Cartilage Surgery in Mumbai, India

Overview

Cartilage surgery is a medical procedure to treat joint problems caused by damaged or deteriorated cartilage. Cartilage is a smooth, elastic material that cushions the joints and allows for pleasant movement. Degradation of cartilage due to trauma, arthritis, or degenerative diseases can cause discomfort, oedema, stiffness, and limited movement in the affected joint. Cartilage surgery attempts to restore joint function by replacing, repairing, or regenerating the damaged cartilage, which will lessen discomfort and improve the patient's quality of life.

Cartilage surgery is frequently required for age-related degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis and traumatic injuries like tears or lesions. Under some circumstances, the cartilage may progressively degrade, resulting in bone-on-bone contact and aggravating joint pain. Cartilage surgery can address these issues using techniques such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or cartilage grafting. These procedures assist patients in restoring their mobility and reducing the discomfort associated with cartilage loss by replacing or repairing the damaged cartilage, restoring joint function, and preventing further damage.

Types of Cartilage Surgery

Articular: These are the cushions, connecting the movable joints, mainly knee or hip. Since the cartilage helps seamless movement of the joints, it is also most commonly injured. Articular Cartilage repair surgeries allow pain-free movement and optimal use of the joints.
Fibrocartilage: This tough and thick cartilage is located at the meniscus of the knee or the discs in the spine. Surgeries such as meniscal repair or meniscectomy are performed to repair the fibrocartilage.

Symptoms That May Require Cartilage Surgery

In most cases, joint pain can be relieved with traditional treatment protocols such as:

Physiotherapy: Exercises suggested by trained Physical Therapy experts to make the muscles stronger and relieve the stress on joints.
Regular exercise and Diet: Weight management with regular exercise and diet may help manage joint pain.
Pain Management: Intravenous Medication, such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma, taken under the guidance of a pain management expert, can also relieve joint aches.

Orthopaedics may recommend surgery only if these treatments are unable to relieve the pain or if there is a clear indication of cartilage damage in a patient with no comorbidities or lifestyle diseases. Following are the most common symptoms, found in patients who undergo cartilage surgery.

Chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling that does not go away with R.I.C.E.
Difficulty carrying out daily duties, for instance, bending, crouching, or climbing stairs without experiencing stiffness or pain in the knees.
Persistent pain that doesn't get better over time.

Diagnosing Cartilage Damage

These diagnostic tests may be ordered by the physician following a physical examination:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that produces finely detailed images of the body using radio waves and a magnetic field. It is helpful, but may at times miss tiny tears or smaller defects.
Arthroscopy is the process of examining and repairing a joint by inserting a tube-like device called an arthroscope. The degree of cartilage injury can be ascertained and in some cases, treated, with the aid of this method.

Preparation For Cartilage Surgery

Consultation and Evaluation: Schedule a comprehensive examination and imaging tests (such as MRI or X-rays) with your surgeon to evaluate cartilage injury.
Medical Assessment: Finish a medical checkup that includes blood work and a review of your prescriptions. If required, cease taking some of them.
Anaesthesia and Fasting: Follow the pre-operative fasting instructions and, if needed, see the anesthesiologist.
Post-Surgery Planning: Arrange for help during recovery and create a comfortable space at home.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and maintain a healthy diet to promote healing.

During The Surgery

Anaesthesia: The patient is given anaesthesia for comfort and pain relief.
Incision: Small incisions are made to access the joint, often using arthroscopy.
Repair or Replacement: Damaged cartilage is repaired, or new cartilage is grafted or stimulated to grow.
Joint Cleaning: Any damaged tissue or debris is removed for better joint function.
Closure: The incisions are closed, and the patient is monitored as they recover from anaesthesia.

After The Surgery

Rest: To aid healing, lessen activities and refrain from bearing weight.
Pain management: To reduce pain and swelling, apply ice and medicines.
Physical therapy: To regain strength and mobility, begin your rehabilitation.
Follow-up: Attend examinations to track healing.
Activity Restrictions: Avoid high-impact activities to protect healing cartilage.

Risks and Complications of Cartilage Surgery

Inadequate post-operative rehabilitation might lead to the development of joint stiffness.
Exacerbated inflammatory reactions, which sometimes correspond to algodystrophy. However, new treatments are now available to make managing this uncommon issue easier.
Bleeding may cause a haemorrhage to form around the surgical site.
Drainage may be required, depending on the amount of the bleeding.
Despite low risk, an infection is a significant complication requiring surgical revision and an antibiotic course.
Phlebitis is caused by small blood clots obstructing the legs' veins; this condition necessitates a course of anticoagulant medication for a few weeks.
Revision surgery may be necessary if a transplant becomes mobilised or if a fixed cartilage component shifts.

Recovery After Cartilage Surgery

Rest: Initial rest and limited weight-bearing to reduce pain and swelling.
Pain Management: Use medications, ice, and elevation to control discomfort.
Physical Therapy: Early rehab to restore movement, strength, and flexibility.
Follow-Up: Regular check-ups to monitor healing progress.
Activity Restrictions: Avoid high-impact activities for several months to protect healing cartilage.

Benefits Of Cartilage Surgery

Pain Relief: Reduces joint pain by repairing or replacing damaged cartilage, improving overall comfort.
Improved Mobility: Restores joint function and flexibility, allowing for better movement.
Prevention of Further Damage: Helps prevent the progression of joint degeneration and reduces the risk of arthritis.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Enables patients to return to daily activities and sports with reduced pain and improved function.
Long-Term Joint Health: Preserves or regenerates cartilage, which can prevent the need for more invasive procedures, like joint replacement, in the future.

Why Choose Nanavati Max Hospital for Cartilage Surgery?

Due to its proficiency in cutting-edge cartilage restoration methods, Nanavati Max Hospital is the best option for cartilage surgery and guarantees the best possible care. A complete approach to patient treatment is made possible by the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities for precision surgical procedures, accurate diagnosis, and successful rehabilitation. While individualised treatment regimens are created to address each patient's specific demands, their skilled orthopaedic surgeons restore cartilage function using the most recent techniques. The hospital also offers outstanding post-operative care, assisting patients in recovery with knowledgeable personnel to guarantee the best possible results and increased mobility.

Outlook

With improvements in technology and surgical methods, the prognosis for cartilage surgery has greatly improved. In injured joints, contemporary techniques, including osteochondral grafting, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and microfracture, show promise in reestablishing cartilage function and reducing discomfort. These procedures can successfully lessen symptoms, increase mobility, and improve patients' quality of life, even if they cannot completely restore cartilage to its natural state. Many patients recover significantly and resume their regular activities in a matter of months with the help of individualised treatment plans and suitable post-operative rehabilitation. The degree of damage, the patient's age, and general health all significantly impact how well cartilage surgery goes, so it's imperative to have professional care for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Cartilage Surgery Painful?

Cartilage surgery may involve some discomfort, but pain is generally managed with medications, and most patients experience relief after the procedure.

2. How Long Does Cartilage Surgery Take?

Cartilage surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

3. Can Cartilage Surgery Fully Restore Damaged Joints?

While cartilage surgery can significantly improve joint function, it may not fully restore the joint to its original condition, especially in severe damage.

4. When Can I Resume Normal Activities After Cartilage Surgery?

The recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within 3 to 6 months, depending on the surgery and individual healing.

5. Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives for Cartilage Repair?

Yes, non-surgical options such as physical therapy, injections (like PRP or hyaluronic acid), and lifestyle modifications can help manage cartilage damage.

6. Who is a Good Candidate for Cartilage Repair?

Ideal candidates are individuals with cartilage damage due to injury or wear who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for recovery.

7. Who Can Perform Knee Cartilage Surgery?

Knee cartilage surgery should be performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, often specialising in sports medicine or joint preservation.