CARTILAGE TRANSPLANTATION
- Method
- Autologous cartilage transplantation (ACT) and cartilage cell transplantation
- Duration
- 60 to 120 minutes
- Recovery time
- 6 to 12 months
How does cartilage transplantation work?
Cartilage transplantation is a specialised procedure for treating cartilage damage in a joint. The patient's own cartilage cells are taken, multiplied in the laboratory and then transplanted into the damaged area.
Cartilage transplantation takes place in two steps: first, small samples of cartilage are taken from a part of the joint that carries no load, during an arthroscopic operation. These are sent to a specialised laboratory where the cartilage cells are multiplied.
After 4-6 weeks the multiplied cartilage cells are implanted into the damaged area in a second operation. There they grow into new cartilage tissue and can take over the function of the original cartilage.
Rehabilitation after cartilage transplantation
Rehabilitation after cartilage transplantation is lengthy and requires patience. The new cartilage needs time to grow in and to form the structures it needs.
Phase I (weeks 1 to 6): protection
The first phase of rehabilitation concentrates on protecting the transplanted cartilage. Partial weight-bearing and careful mobilisation exercises are important.
Phase II (weeks 6 to 12): careful mobilisation
The second phase comprises exercises for careful mobilisation and a step-by-step increase in load under medical supervision.
Phase III (months 4 to 6): building up load
Phase III focuses on building up the load step by step and on taking up lighter sporting activity again.
Phase IV (months 7 to 12): full integration
The final phase aims to restore full load-bearing capacity and to integrate sporting activity completely.
Our cartilage transplantation specialists
Experienced specialists for cartilage transplantation and regenerative treatment
