Cartilage Transfer

Post-Op

This procedure requires prolonged and well coordinated physiotherapy.

Hospitalisation varies from 2-5 days depending on the size and position of the lesion.

You will usually be none or partial weight bearing for 6 weeks and then increase to full weight bearing by 12 weeks.

The cartilage takes 6-12 months to mature fully and it can be this long before the full benefits of the procedure are realised and you can return to normal activities.

You will require a knee brace to limit the degree of flexion post operatively. A graduated exercise programme will be instituted but will vary from patient to patient. A guide for postoperative care is listed below.

When Can I Return To Sport?

Return to sporting activities and work also is variable and needs to be coordinated with your surgeon and physiotherapist. As a general rule it is not advisable to return to sports involving running and twisting for 12 months.

When Can I Return To Work?

This is a difficult question as it depends exactly what you do at work. If someone drives you and your job involves predominantly sitting then you could go back at two weeks. Physical jobs particularly those involving lifting may take 6 months or longer.

Complications

Any surgical procedure has a risk of complications. These are rare with this procedure, however they can occur. Every precaution is taken to minimise the risk. Complications can be related to the anaesthetic, general in nature it can happen with any surgery or be specific to this procedure.

Excessive swelling and bruising of the leg

This is due to bleeding in the joint and surrounding tissues. It can cause short term pain and make it difficult to bend the knee. To avoid this, ice the leg and elevate it as much as possible for the first week or so. In this procedure a drain is not used as it may damage the graft.

Bleeding

Small amounts of bleeding in the joint are normal. Large amounts of bleeding can occur but are more common in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking antiinflammatory medications. These should be ceased 2 weeks prior to surgery. Excessive bleeding can require aspiration of the knee or occasionally a repeat arthroscopy.

Infection

The procedure is done using antibiotic prophylaxis and in a sterile operating environment to reduce the risk of infection, but it still can occur. Treatment involves either oral or intravenous antibiotics and may involve further operations to wash out the joint. Occasionally this can lead to joint stiffness, destruction of the normal cartilage within the joint or failure of the graft.

Ongoing Pain

This can be unpredictable but is more common in knees with more severe initial damage. If pain does continue then another arthroscopy may be recommended. This procedure if performed is usually to shave part of the graft which may be sitting too proud or has partially lifted off.

Joint Stiffness

Joint stiffness can result from scar tissue within the joint resulting in loss of motion. Treatment consists of physiotherapy or occasionally further surgical procedures. Full range of motion can not always be guaranteed.

Damage to Nerves or Vessels

There are small nerves under the skin which cannot be avoided and cutting them can lead to areas of numbness in the skin below or around the knee. This numbness generally reduces in size with time and doesn’t cause any functional disability. You can get also get areas of hypersensitivity or tingling around the scars. This usually settles with time.

Anterior Knee Pain

Some patients develop pain around the kneecap. This is a result of muscle wasting and inactivity following surgery and usually resolves over time with appropriate physiotherapy and a conscientious exercise programme continued at home.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

This is a rare condition, the mechanism of which is not fully understood. It involves an overactivity of the nerves in the leg causing unexplained and excessive pain which can go on for many months and may never settle fully.

Deep Venous Thrombosis

This condition is caused by clots in the leg which may require medical management in the form of injections or tablets to thin the blood. Very rarely these can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) causing respiratory difficulties or even be life threatening.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to medications or materials used in the operating room.

Wound Breakdown

This occurs when small areas of the wound may not heal and may need to e resutured. This can sometimes result from reaction to the sutures just under the skin.

Instrument Breakage

Unsightly or Thickened Scar

Pressure

Pressure on areas of the body in the operating theatre causing nerve damage.

Diathermy Burns

Burns from cautery device used in most open operations (very rare).

Limp

Limp can occur from muscle weakness.

Any medical complication you have heard about can occur especially if you already have a pre-existing medical problem. Such complications include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, pneumonia, bowel obstruction, bladder infection or obstruction etc. Serious medical problems can lead to ongoing health concerns, prolonged hospitalisation or rarely death.

Rehabilitation varies greatly between patients as it depends on the size and site of the lesion. No two knees are exactly the same. The weight bearing and degree of flexion depends in particular on the location of the lesion. If the lesion is non weight bearing then the whole process can be accelerated.

Week 1

• Allow wound healing
• Weight bearing – nil
• Motion – nil or slight flexion except if on CPM machine
• Brace – locked as appropriate
• Ambulation – crutches
• Physio – rest

Week 2-6

• Weight bearing – none to partial
• Motion – passive up to 90 degrees
• Brace – limited flexion
• Ambulation – crutches usually non weight bearing
• Physio – reduce swelling, closed chain, isometric quads, gentle cycling, walking or treading water in a pool

Week 6-12

• Weight bearing – progress to full
• Motion – progress to full
• Brace – discard
• Ambulation – wean off crutches
• Physio – open chain, proprioceptive exercises, resisted cycling, swimming avoiding breaststroke

Week 12 -52

• Gradual increase in all exercises to strengthen quads and hamstring muscles, jogging at 6 months, sport by 12 months

Summary

This procedure has good results for localised articular cartilage lesions. Without treatment a lot of these lesions progress to arthritis. It does involve quite a lot of rehabilitation and commitment to physiotherapy but once this is over the majority of patients are happy with their outcome.