NSIC Articles

Beyond Bone Deep: Understanding Arthroscopic Cartilage Transplant

Cartilage may not get as much attention as bones or ligaments, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your joints smooth, strong, and pain-free. Whether you're an athlete, an active adult, or someone with a knee or joint injury, damaged cartilage can silently cause pain, limit movement, and gradually impact your quality of life. The good news? Modern medicine has found a highly effective solution—Arthroscopic Cartilage Transplant.

At Noida Sports Injury Center, we believe in offering minimally invasive, high-precision treatments that not only relieve pain but also restore function and mobility. Let’s dive into what cartilage is, how it gets damaged, and how arthroscopic cartilage transplant can help you get back on your feet—literally.

What is Cartilage and Why is It Important?

Cartilage is a flexible, rubbery connective tissue found in joints like the knee, shoulder, ankle, and hip. Unlike muscles or skin, cartilage does not have a blood supply, which means it cannot heal on its own once injured. That’s why even minor cartilage injuries, if left untreated, can escalate into major joint problems.

There are three types of cartilage in the body:

• Articular (hyaline) cartilage – cushions bones at joints
• Fibrocartilage – found in the meniscus and spine
• Elastic cartilage – found in the ear and nose

The one we're most concerned with in joint injuries is articular cartilage—the smooth surface that lets your bones glide against each other without friction.

How Does Cartilage Get Damaged?

Cartilage damage can occur due to:

• Sports injuries or trauma (like twisting the knee or a hard fall)
• Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis
• Repeated stress from overuse or improper movement
• Lack of proper rehab after joint injuries or surgeries

Symptoms often include:

• Joint pain, especially when moving or bearing weight
• Swelling or stiffness
• Clicking or grinding sensations
• A feeling of the joint “locking” or giving out

What Is Arthroscopic Cartilage Transplant?

Arthroscopic Cartilage Transplant, also known as cartilage restoration surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair damaged cartilage in a joint. It involves using an arthroscope (a tiny camera) and small instruments inserted through small incisions to perform the transplant with high accuracy and minimal tissue damage.

Depending on the severity and location of damage, surgeons may choose one of several techniques:

1. OATS (Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System)
   • Transplants healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing area to the damaged area.
2. Allograft Transplantation
   • Uses donor cartilage for larger defects.
3. Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
   • Collects your own cartilage cells, grows them in a lab, and re-implants them later.
4. Microfracture Technique
   • Small holes are made in the bone to stimulate new cartilage growth (best for small defects).

At Noida Sports Injury Center, we use advanced arthroscopic tools and image-guided planning to ensure precision, better outcomes, and faster recovery.

Who Should Consider a Cartilage Transplant?

You might be a candidate if:

• You’re under 50 and have focal cartilage damage (not widespread arthritis)
• You’ve had ongoing knee or joint pain that doesn’t improve with physiotherapy or medications
• Your imaging tests show isolated cartilage loss rather than general joint degeneration
• You want to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery

This treatment is particularly beneficial for young athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to remain active without joint restrictions.

What to Expect: Procedure and Recovery

Before Surgery

• Detailed evaluation with MRI scans
• Physical examination and movement analysis
• Discussion of goals, graft options, and recovery expectations

During Surgery

• Performed under regional or general anesthesia
• Small incisions are made for the camera and tools
• Damaged cartilage is cleaned, and new cartilage is implanted
• Surgery typically lasts 1–2 hours

After Surgery

• Most patients go home the same day
• You may use a brace or crutches temporarily
• Physiotherapy starts early to maintain mobility and build strength
• Full recovery takes 4–6 months, depending on graft size and joint

Benefits of Arthroscopic Cartilage Transplant

• Minimally invasive: Less pain, smaller scars
• Restores natural cartilage: Maintains joint function
• Delays or avoids joint replacement
• Improves mobility and reduces chronic pain
• High success rates in active individuals

By restoring the smooth surface of the joint, this procedure prevents further wear and tear and supports long-term joint health.

Our Approach at Noida Sports Injury Center

We specialize in arthroscopic joint preservation techniques, combining surgical precision with tailored rehabilitation. Our sports injury team evaluates each case individually to decide the most suitable technique based on:

• Age and activity level
• Extent and location of cartilage damage
• Previous surgeries or injuries
• Long-term movement goals

With advanced diagnostics, expert surgeons, and state-of-the-art rehab programs, we help you recover better—and faster.

Cartilage damage may be invisible on the outside, but the pain, stiffness, and limitations it causes are very real. If left untreated, it can spiral into chronic joint problems. Fortunately, arthroscopic cartilage transplant offers a powerful, science-backed solution to restore healthy joint movement and keep you doing what you love.

If you’ve been struggling with persistent knee or joint pain, reach out to the experts at Noida Sports Injury Center. Let’s go beyond pain management—let’s restore your movement from the inside out.