⁠Articular Cartilage Repair

Cartilage is a sturdy, flexible connective tissue that acts a shock absorber, especially in your joints and bones. It acts as a cushion for your joints. There are three types of cartilage in the body: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.

Hyaline cartilage is the most common type which lines your joints and caps the ends of your bones. In the joints, this tissue is often called articular cartilage. Articulate cartilage is a smooth, slippery white tissue that covers the ends of the bones where they meet in the joint. This tissue helps your knees glide past one another without friction. It’s strong enough to support the stability and shape of your joints.

Cartilage damage, which often happens due to sports injuries, trauma, or natural wear and tear, can lead to significant joint issues. In many cases, patients with joint injuries like meniscus tears can also have cartilage damage. Recovery time after an articular cartilage repair operation depends on the location and severity of the tear. Symptoms of a damaged cartilage include joint damage, swelling, stiffness, reduced range of motion, a popping sound that occurs when bending or moving the joint, and joint locking (inability to fully extend or bend the joint).
Cartilage damage affects the thin layer of articular cartilage at the ends of the bones in most cases. These injuries are sometimes referred to as chondral injury or chondral defect. Since the articular cartilage lacks a blood supply, which promotes healing, these injuries don’t heal well on their own. Cartilage repair involves orthopaedics and rehabilitation. Arthroscopic surgery is often the best treatment option. Other common procedures for cartilage restoration include: microfracture, drilling, abrasion arthroplasty, Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), Osteochondral autograft transplantation, and Osteochondral allograft transplantation.
Microfracture is a technique that involves creating tiny fractures in the underlying bone to encourage the growth of new cartilage. Drilling is similar to microfracture, but it involves drilling deeper holes in the bone to promote cartilage formation. In abrasion arthroplasty, the damaged cartilage is removed, and new tissue is stimulated to grow in its place. Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is a procedure that involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells, culturing them in a lab, and implanting them back into the damaged area. Your doctor will discuss the options with you to determine the best kind of procedure for you.

Most candidates for articular cartilage operation are young adults with a singular lesion (injury). Whether the surgery is an option for you will depend on the size and location of the lesion, as well as the conditions of other structures in the knee. In some cases, additional procedures like knee realignment (osteotomy) and ligament reconstruction may be recommended to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. Older patients with many lesions in one joint are less likely to benefit from the surgery. Shoulder, elbow, hip, and ankle damage may also be treated but the knee is the most common area for cartilage damage.

In advanced stages of cartilage damage, when the cartilage wears away, the joint is exposed and begins to soften, break down and loses its ability to protect the underlying bone. As the wear and tear becomes more pronounced, the individual experiences further discomfort and stiffness. This progression can lead to osteoarthritis, a chronic, degenerative condition that causes limited and painful movement.

Most articular cartilage restoration procedures are performed arthroscopically, using two small incisions. However, certain situations may require an open incision (arthrotomy) for better access to the affected area. Generally, arthroscopic procedures offer a quicker and less painful recovery as compared to traditional open surgery.

Articular cartilage repair surgery involves regenerating or replacing damaged cartilage using tissue from the patient’s own body, a donor’s tissue, or through lab-generated cartilage. The surgery aims to form robust cartilage-like tissues around the worn out or damaged joint.

For an articulate repair surgery, the choice of anaesthesia used depends on your overall health, and the type of procedure. The most frequently used anaesthesia is the Spinal (regional) anaesthesia. Depending on the type of surgery, it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours.

After Cartilage repair surgery, protecting the joint while it heals is crucial. If the surgery was done on the knee or ankle, for a period of time, patients may need to refrain from putting on weight on the affected leg. You may rely on crutches during the first two to three months. After surgery we provide physical therapy that plays a major role in restoring joint function and rebuilding muscle strength.

You can take care of your cartilage using general healthy habits such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and not smoking or using tobacco products. Follow your surgeon’s instructions to help your body heal.

• Strictly follow post-operative guidelines to avoid complications and ensure proper healing.
• Elevate the joint to keep swelling under control
• Use crutches or braces as advised by your surgeon. Avoid putting weight on the affected joint initially.
• Follow the pain management strategies as prescribed by your doctor.
• Return to daily activities and sports should be gradual, with the approval of your surgeon.
• We track our patients’ recovery for 6 months to 1 year after surgery, even after they return to their home countries. It’s important to contact us if you experience any complications.
• By contacting our clinic directly, we can ensure proper management of any problems and avoid delays in treatment or recovery. At Prospero, we offer continuous support throughout the recovery period to ensure optimal outcomes and smooth healing.

Turkey is recognized as a leading country in medical tourism offering high-quality treatment options with highly skilled surgeons who are internationally trained. Medical costs in Turkey are significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality care without breaking the bank. Here are some key benefits for having articulate cartilage repair in Turkey:

• Hospitals in Turkey use cutting-edge technology, and procedures like microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation are performed by experts, ensuring a high success rate and a focus on quick recovery.
• From the moment you land in Turkey, you’ll be taken care of. At prospero, we offer a full-service support, including airport transfers, and accommodations. Your comfort is a priority, so you can focus on your recovery.
• One of the unique benefits of having your surgery in Turkey is the comprehensive post-operative care. Whether you have returned to your home country or still in Turkey, your treatment team will follow up regularly to ensure your healing is progressing as planned for a smooth recovery and long-term success.

The cost of articular cartilage repair surgery in Turkey depends on a number of factors. With the influx of commercial advertisements and claims, it’s important to choose a clinic that focuses on providing genuine care and high-quality medical services. When evaluating treatment options, here is what you should look out for:

• A clinic that guides you based on your individual health needs rather than sales pitches.
• A clinic that prioritizes understanding your specific concerns.
• Above all, the safety and well-being of the patient should be the clinic’s priority.

This cost of the procedure may be affected by the following factors:

• The professional standing of the clinic for example internationally recognized clinics.y
• The surgeon’s credentials and the quality of the after-care services.
• The complexity of the procedure. Advanced surgeries like microfracture or cartilage implantation are more costly due to their complexity.
• The legal and liability terms. Transparent impartial contracts in the correct legal format ensures that there are no surprises if complications arise, thus protecting the patient’s rights.

The cost of articular cartilage repair surgery in Turkey can vary based on a number of factors. While price is still a consideration, it should not overshadow the quality of care. Ensure that the quality and safety of the clinic are of standard. At Prospero Medical, we take pride in offering you the level of care that you deserve. From the skilled hands of our surgeons to the comprehensive aftercare, we ensure that every aspect of your treatment reflects our commitment to quality.