Dr. Pranjal Kodkani, a renowned joint preservation surgeon specializing in arthroscopy and sports injuries, offers advanced articular cartilage (chondral) surgery techniques to patients experiencing knee pain and dysfunction due to damaged cartilage. Articular cartilage, also known as chondral tissue, is a smooth, glistening layer covering the ends of bones within the knee joint. It acts as a vital shock absorber, enabling pain-free movement and distributing weight evenly during activity.
Understanding Articular Cartilage Damage
Tears, cracks, or degeneration of articular cartilage can occur due to various factors, including:
- Sports injuries: Sudden impacts or repetitive stress can damage the cartilage.
- Age-related wear and tear: Over time, cartilage naturally weakens and thins.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on the knee joint.
- Previous knee injuries: Untreated meniscus tears or ligament injuries can impact the cartilage.
Symptoms of Articular Cartilage Damage
Damage to the articular cartilage can manifest through several symptoms:
- Knee pain: This can be a dull ache, a sharp pain with specific movements, or a general feeling of discomfort.
- Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff, particularly in the mornings or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: Inflammation caused by the damaged cartilage can lead to knee swelling.
- Catching or locking: Fragments of damaged cartilage can cause the knee to catch or lock during movement.
- Giving way: In severe cases, the knee may feel unstable and may give way unexpectedly.
Articular Cartilage Repair Options by Dr. Kodkani
Dr. Kodkani prioritizes minimally invasive, joint-preserving techniques whenever possible. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, he may recommend one of the following procedures:
- Arthroscopic Debridement: This procedure involves removing loose fragments of damaged cartilage to smooth the joint surface and reduce pain.
- Microfracture: Tiny holes are drilled into the underlying bone to stimulate the growth of new, fibrocartilaginous tissue to fill the defect.
- Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS): Healthy cartilage plugs are harvested from a less weight-bearing area of the knee and transplanted to the damaged area.
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): Cartilage cells are harvested from the patient, grown in a lab, and then implanted back into the defect to promote new cartilage growth.
Benefits of Articular Cartilage Repair
Early intervention with articular cartilage repair surgery offers several benefits:
- Reduced pain and improved function: Repairing the cartilage can significantly improve knee pain and stiffness, allowing for a more active lifestyle.
- Preserves the natural joint: Dr. Kodkani prioritizes joint preservation techniques to avoid the need for future joint replacement surgery.
- Promotes long-term joint health: Addressing cartilage damage early can help prevent the development of osteoarthritis.
Why Choose Dr. Pranjal Kodkani for Articular Cartilage Repair?
As a highly skilled and experienced joint preservation surgeon, Dr. Kodkani offers distinct advantages:
- Expertise in Arthroscopy: He leverages his extensive experience with arthroscopic surgery for minimally invasive and efficient procedures.
- Focus on Long-Term Outcomes: Dr. Kodkani prioritizes techniques that promote long-term joint health and function.
- Personalized Care: He understands the unique needs of active individuals and tailors the treatment plan to your specific goals and lifestyle.
Considering Articular Cartilage Repair?
If you are experiencing knee pain, stiffness, or limitations due to suspected articular cartilage damage, contact Dr. Pranjal Kodkani’s clinic to schedule a consultation. He will assess your condition, discuss your treatment options, and determine the most appropriate approach for repairing your knee’s shock absorber and restoring your active lifestyle.
- LIGAMENTS
- TENDONS
- CAPSULE
- MENISCUS TRANSPLANTATION
- ARTICULAR CARTILAGE (CHONDAL)
- BONE WITH JOINT CARTILAGE (OSTEOCHONDRAL)
- LABRUM
- KNEE DEFORMITIES (BOW LEGS / KNOCK KNEES)
- TIBIAL (KNEE)
- FEMORAL (KNEE)
- TIBIAL TUBEROSITY (KNEE)
- PATELLOFEMORAL JOINT
- HIP OSTEOTOMY
- WRIST – RADIUS / ULNA
- ANKLE
