Cartilage Restoration | Torrance Memorial Orthopedics

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:

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.
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.
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.
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 5^th 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.