The smooth, pain-free movement of your joints is made possible by articular cartilage, a resilient, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of your bones and allows them to glide effortlessly against each other. Over time, however, this essential cartilage can deteriorate due to injury, overuse, or natural aging.
Because the body has a limited ability to repair cartilage on its own, damage, whether from wear and tear, an accident, or other trauma, often leads to chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually arthritis. When cartilage loss becomes severe, bones may rub directly against each other, potentially requiring joint replacement surgery.
At Impact Medical Group, we understand how important it is to maintain your natural joints for as long as possible. That’s why we offer advanced articular cartilage restoration treatments. These innovative procedures aim to repair damaged cartilage, relieve pain, and preserve joint function, providing a potential alternative to joint replacement surgery for the right candidates.
Is Cartilage Restoration Right for You?
Cartilage restoration is a highly specialized treatment best suited to specific patients. The ideal candidates often include:
- Younger adults, typically under age 40
- Individuals with cartilage damage caused by a specific injury, rather than widespread arthritis or degeneration
In older adults, or when joint damage is more extensive, cartilage restoration is often less effective, and joint replacement may be the better solution. During your consultation, our experienced team will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether cartilage restoration is appropriate for your condition and goals.
We Are
Impact Medical Group
Impact Medical Group provides advanced orthopedic surgical care to help patients restore mobility and live pain-free.
Our expert team specializes in spine, ankle, elbow, knee, hip, shoulder, hand, and wrist procedures, as well as fracture treatment, articular cartilage restoration, and joint replacement. We focus on personalized solutions and leading techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Advanced Cartilage Restoration Options at Impact Medical Group
We offer a range of cutting-edge cartilage restoration techniques, many performed with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Using a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through tiny incisions, these procedures often result in less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Common Treatment Options Include:
Microfracture
Tiny holes are created in the bone to stimulate blood flow and encourage the growth of new cartilage-like tissue.
Drilling
Similar to microfracture, this approach uses small drills to create channels in the bone, triggering a healing response.
Abrasion Arthroplasty
Damaged cartilage is carefully removed to create a healthy surface that can support new tissue growth.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
A two-step process where your own healthy cartilage cells are harvested, grown in a laboratory, and then implanted back into the damaged area.
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OATS/Mosaicplasty)
Healthy cartilage and bone from a non-weight-bearing part of your joint are transferred to the damaged area.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Similar to OATS, but using donor tissue for larger defects.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells, often harvested from your own bone marrow, are placed into the damaged area to help regenerate cartilage.
After a thorough evaluation, we will explain the available options and recommend the treatment best aligned with your condition, activity level, and long-term goals. Every plan at Impact Medical Group is carefully tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Joints
If you’re experiencing joint pain, swelling, or limited mobility due to cartilage damage, especially after an auto accident injury, joint replacement may not be your only option. Articular cartilage restoration can help relieve these symptoms, improve joint function, and extend the life of your natural joint.
Contact Impact Medical Group today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We’re here to help you explore your options and get back to moving with confidence and comfort.
