There was a time when people had to live with joint pain and physical limitation
due to cartilage damage. Due to new medical advances, orthopedic experts
at Torrance Memorial are dedicated to alternative treatment care for joint
cartilage damage.
Cartilage is the white tissue lining the end of bones where these bones
connect to form joints. Cartilage acts as cushioning material and helps
in smooth gliding of bones during movement. An injury to the joint may
damage this cartilage which cannot repair on its own. Cartilage can be
damaged with increasing age, normal wear and tear, or trauma. Damaged
cartilage cannot cushion the joints during movement and the joints may
rub over each other causing severe pain and inflammation. It occurs most
commonly in the knee, but is also found in the ankle, hip and elbow.
Today, innovative and exciting new developments are revolutionizing orthopedic
surgery, enabling surgeons to repair, regenerate or replace cartilage
without resorting to the use of artificial joints.
Cartilage Restoration Benefits
- Pain relief without the placement of artificial substances in the body
- Preventing the onset of arthritis
- Re-established performance to pre-injury levels
- Slowed progression of cartilage damage
- Delayed need for joint replacement surgery
Cartilage Restoration Treatment Options
Cartilage restoration is a surgical procedure where orthopedic surgeons
stimulate the growth of new cartilage that restores the normal function.
Giving patients a more normal surface and cushions to enchase the longevity
of a joint. Also, arthritis condition can be delayed or prevented through
cartilage restoration. Major procedures performed in our cartilage restoration
center are as follows:
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Arthroscopic Debridement aides by a tiny camera and using very small incisions, torn or damaged
cartilage is located and trimmed away. Reducing pain and restoring function.
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Arthroscopic Microfracture helps to preserve and restore function by allowing the patient’s
own body to repair the damage. Small holes are drilled on the surface
of the knee where the cartilage is defective. Resulting blood clots prompt
the formation of a cartilage-like scar and regenerate repair tissue.
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Cartilage Cell Transplantation (ACI procedure) a patient’s own cells are harvested and frown in a laboratory culture.
The cells are re-implanted in the knee to repair and resurface areas where
there’s been cartilage loss. This allows to restore mobility and
range of motion without using an artificial joint.
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Cartilage “Plugs” (OAT procedure) used to successfully treat isolated areas of cartilage damage, a small
section of the patient’s own bob and cartilage is removed from an
area that does not bear weight to serve as donor cartilage. The donor
bone and cartilage is then transferred to the damaged part of the knee
being repaired.
Choose Torrance Memorial Orthopedics
Torrance Memorial is the 5th largest private orthopedic hospital in Los Angeles County, designated
as a CalPERS preferred center, and named a Blue Distinction Center for
high quality knee and hip surgery care by BlueCross BlueShield.
Find an Orthopedic Surgeon
Call 310-517-4700, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, for assistance
in finding a highly knowledgeable and skilled orthopedic specialist, search
through our convenient
online directory or fill out the form below to request a highly recommended orthopedic
surgeon at Torrance Memorial.