Cartilage Restoration: Shoulder
What is Cartilage Transplantation?
Cartilage transplantation is a procedure to restore articular cartilage in a joint by transplanting it from another region of your body or using cartilage from a donor.
What is Articular Cartilage?
Articular cartilage is the white tissue lining the ends of bones that form joints. It acts as cushioning material and helps in the smooth gliding of bones during movement.
How is Articular Cartilage Lost?
An injury to the joint may damage articular cartilage, which cannot repair on its own. Cartilage can be damaged with increasing age, normal wear and tear, overuse or trauma. Damaged cartilage cannot cushion the joints during movement and the bones may rub against each other causing severe pain and inflammation.
Indications for Cartilage Transplantation
Cartilage transplantation is indicated for cases of mild-to-moderate cartilage loss where joint replacement is not recommended. Ideally, you should be
- Under the age of 45
- Should not be obese
- Should not have conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or severe osteoarthritis with bone-on bone changes that would otherwise be a candidate for joint replacement
Dr. Cole’s related publications
Dr. Cole’s related videos
Specific Procedures
Microfracture
Microfracture is a surgical technique used to repair damaged articular cartilage. An awl or drill is used to create small holes in the joint surface, releasing bone marrow elements that stimulate the growth of fibrocartilage.
Dr. Cole’s related publications
Dr. Cole’s related videos
Capsular release and manipulation
Capsular release and manipulation are surgical procedures used to treat pain loss of motion in the shoulder, which can be caused by adhesive capsulitis (“frozen shoulder”) or glenohumeral osteoarthritis. These procedures are done arthroscopically, and the shoulder capsule is debrided to increase range of motion. Post-operatively, patients begin physical therapy nearly immediately.
Dr. Cole’s related publications
Dr. Cole’s related videos
Post operative care
Rehab protocol
Osteochondral allograft transplantation
Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a surgical procedure used to treat articular cartilage defects. A donor graft (allograft) is size-matched to the patient, and the donor tissue is implanted into the cartilage defect.