DeNovo Cartilage Transplant in Ramsey, NJ
Cartilage acts like a shock absorber in between your joints and bones. It provides a smooth surface for bones to glide, and protects bones from the pressure of body weight. When cartilage surrounding an area such as your knee or ankle becomes damaged, pain often ensues. This can occur as a result of trauma, sports injury or from the natural degeneration of cartilage integrity as we age. In cases involving minor cartilage damage, the cartilage can be healed with rest and a stabilizing elastic bandage wrap or a brace. In severe cases, more aggressive measures such as a DeNovo cartilage implant may be needed.
The DeNovo cartilage transplant uses live cartilage from a juvenile donor (under the age of 13), which allows for richer cartilage density and is less likely of causing donor rejection. A DeNovo procedure is an outpatient procedure that only involves a small incision of less than two inches, making the procedure advantageous to you and your healthcare provider. The procedure is thus a more cost effective option that involves less recovery time.
There is a skilled orthopedic surgeon in Ramsey that can safely repair cartilage damage in your knee, ankle or shoulder; call (201) 806-6099 or contact Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women online.
DeNovo Cartilage Medical Procedure Benefits
A DeNovo cartilage surgery is regularly recommended after attempts to help the body to facilitate the natural healing of cartilage have failed. Some of the reasons your healthcare provider may recommend this procedure are:
- Lesions or tears in your cartilage are not healing through natural means
- The procedure typically only requires one treatment
- You suffer a knee, hip, ankle or shoulder cartilage issue
- There are no current reports of the DeNovo grafts being rejected or any disease transmission
- It's an outpatient procedure
What to Expect During a DeNovo Cartilage Surgery
In determining if a DeNovo cartilage transplant is a suitable option, your healthcare provider will want to review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your healthcare provider will also likely suggest an MRI to check for lesions and tears in your cartilage, and the potential severity. Your age, activity level, condition of your joint and goals post-treatment will help your doctor determine if you are a good candidate for a DeNovo cartilage repair.
If the DeNovo cartilage repair is elected as your treatment course, it will require general anesthesia in an outpatient facility. Your orthopedic surgeon will begin by creating an incision in the front of the knee, exposing the damaged cartilage. The donor material then gets inserted into the damaged cartilage area (lesion), or may be directly attached to your knee bone via a protein-based type of glue. The method will depend on the individual and severity of the injury or situation. The donor material then fuses and grows with your own cartilage over time.
DeNovo Cartilage Transplant Rehab
The rehabilitation after your DeNovo procedure is dependent upon the location and size of the cartilage implant. Your healthcare provider may recommend using crutches for several weeks after treatment and may also prescribe physical therapy to help with mobility. Depending on how your body responds and the severity of your injury, it can take several months before your healthcare provider will be willing to recommend returning to playing sports. Once the recovery period is completed, patients typically experience a significant reduction of pain and other symptoms, as well as an ability to continue to play sports.
Cartilage injuries can be painful and restrict you from the daily activities you enjoy. However, a DeNovo cartilage transplant provides an innovative way to repair damaged cartilage safely and effectively. To schedule a consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon in Ramsey, call (201) 806-6099 or contact Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women online.
Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women
Address
33 Central AveMidland Park, NJ 07432
(201) 806-6099
www.BergenCountyDoctors.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue:
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat:
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sun:
By Appointment Only