Cartilage Replacement

You may lose cartilage over time without it having any noticeable impact on mobility. However, cartilage loss can also occur as the result of an injury or joint health conditions. Once a substantial amount of joint-cushioning cartilage has worn away, pain and functional limitations in the affected joint becomes evident.

The replacement or regeneration of cartilage tissue is achievable through specialized procedures at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds offer a number of treatment options that are individualized to the needs of each patient.

Cartilage is unable to heal from damage without intervention. Without cartilage to protect the bones in the joint from friction, the inevitable result is progressive wear and tear. This may lead to pain and stiffness in the joint, which could progress to the development of osteoarthritis. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking treatment can prevent the need for complex surgeries, such as complete joint replacement.

Restoring Lost Cartilage

There are two ways in which lost cartilage can be restored. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds will either use techniques that stimulate healing or harvest viable materials from other areas in the body for transplantation. Various procedures can effectively achieve these goals. However, suitable treatment recommendations are based on the results of a clinical examination at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics.

Grafting cartilage from the patient’s own body or another donor may produce effective results. Alternative treatments like autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) are used to stimulate new tissue growth in the affected area.

If you are suffering from joint pain or have noticed a decrease in function, seek a clinical examination at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics in California today. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds can provide effective treatment options when an injury or disease is identified early.