ON-SITE
AFTER HOURS
ORTHOPEDIC
COPYRIGHT © MURPHY WAINER ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WEB DEVELOPMENT BY A BETTER WEB, INC.
Cartilage Restoration &
Knee Preservation
CARTILAGE RESTORATION
Articular cartilage is a smooth white substance that lines the ends of your thigh and shin
bones where they come together at the kneecap. It provides lubrication that allows for
smooth, pain-free movement of the joint. This cartilage can be damaged in sports, at work or
even in daily activities. Unfortunately, cartilage does not regenerate or heal on its own. If the
cartilage thins to the point that there is no lubrication between the bones, arthritis develops.
Non-operative and operative procedures can be performed to repair or replace damaged
cartilage with the goal of relieving pain and restoring better function.
What procedures can help?
This surgery may be recommended when a patient has cartilage damage on one side of the knee and misalignment of the surrounding bones.
Dr. Varkey reshapes either the shin or the thigh bone around the knee, which transfers stress off the damaged side of the knee to the healthy
side of the knee. This may be done in conjunction with cartilage restoration.
ALIGNMENT CORRECTION SURGERY/OSTEOTOMY
MENISCUS REPAIR & TRANSPLANTATION
The meniscus is an important soft structure in the knee that helps with normal
function. There are two menisci in the knee joint, one on each side, which provide a
cushion between the shin and thigh bones. Meniscus tears are a common, painful
injury. Sometimes a meniscus tear can be repaired. Other times, the meniscus is so
damaged that repair is impossible. For active younger people with little to no arthritis
in the knee, a meniscus transplant may be indicated. This newer technique can provide
pain relief while allowing patients to preserve their knee joint and remain active.
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that develops primarily in children and
teens when the blood supply to a section of a joint, such as the knee, is disrupted,
causing a small piece of bone and cartilage to loosen. In children, this may heal on its
own. But in adolescents and older individuals, surgery may be needed. Several
procedures can be performed, including a graft of bone and cartilage to replace the
damaged section of the joint
OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS REPAIR
Sometimes the cause of knee pain is damage to the cartilage in the knee joint from an injury, wear and tear, or developmental issues. Dr. Varkey
has advanced fellowship training in leading-edge procedures that can alleviate pain and help some patients avoid or delay a knee replacement
Typically, cartilage restoration is recommended for patients who are under the age of 40,
have an active lifestyle, and are experiencing symptoms. Dr. Varkey also looks at each
individual patient’s anatomy, the injury that caused the damage, and the stability of the
knee. Cartilage restoration is not generally recommended for older patients or for those
who have osteoarthritis.
Which patients are the best candidates for cartilage restoration?
Treatment can help patients return to an active lifestyle while retaining their knee joints. After recovery, these patients can often resume high-
impact activities – such as running – that generally are not recommended after knee replacement surgery. Undergoing cartilage restoration
before arthritis develops also can delay or eliminate the need for a knee replacement.
What are the advantages of cartilage restoration?
ON-SITE
AFTER HOURS
ORTHOPEDIC
COPYRIGHT © MURPHY WAINER ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WEB DEVELOPMENT BY A BETTER WEB, INC.
Cartilage Restoration and
Knee Preservation
Sometimes the cause of knee pain is damage to the
cartilage in the knee joint from an injury, wear and tear, or
developmental issues. Dr. Varkey has advanced
fellowship training in leading-edge procedures that can
alleviate pain and help some patients avoid or delay a
knee replacement.
Articular cartilage is a smooth white substance that lines
the ends of your thigh and shin bones where they come
together at the kneecap. It provides lubrication that
allows for smooth, pain-free movement of the joint. This
cartilage can be damaged in sports, at work or even in
daily activities. Unfortunately, cartilage does not
regenerate or heal on its own. If the cartilage thins to the
point that there is no lubrication between the bones,
arthritis develops.
CARTILAGE RESTORATION
Non-operative and operative procedures can be
performed to repair or replace damaged cartilage with
the goal of relieving pain and restoring better function.
What procedures can help?
This surgery may be recommended when a patient has
cartilage damage on one side of the knee and
misalignment of the surrounding bones. Dr. Varkey
reshapes either the shin or the thigh bone around the
knee, which transfers stress off the damaged side of the
knee to the healthy side of the knee. This may be done in
conjunction with cartilage restoration.
ALIGNMENT CORRECTION SURGERY/
OSTEOTOMY
Typically, cartilage restoration is recommended for
patients who are under the age of 40, have an active
lifestyle, and are experiencing symptoms. Dr. Varkey also
looks at each individual patient’s anatomy, the injury that
caused the damage, and the stability of the knee.
Cartilage restoration is not generally recommended for
older patients or for those who have osteoarthritis.
Which patients are the best candidates for
cartilage restoration?
Treatment can help patients return to an active lifestyle
while retaining their knee joints. After recovery, these
patients can often resume high-impact activities – such
as running – that generally are not recommended after
knee replacement surgery. Undergoing cartilage
restoration before arthritis develops also can delay or
eliminate the need for a knee replacement.
What are the advantages of cartilage
restoration?
The meniscus is an important soft structure in the knee
that helps with normal function. There are two menisci in
the knee joint, one on each side, which provide a cushion
between the shin and thigh bones. Meniscus tears are a
common, painful injury. Sometimes a meniscus tear can
be repaired. Other times, the meniscus is so damaged
that repair is impossible. For active younger people with
little to no arthritis in the knee, a meniscus transplant
may be indicated. This newer technique can provide pain
relief while allowing patients to preserve their knee joint
and remain active.
MENISCAL REPAIR AND
TRANSPLANTATION
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that
develops primarily in children and teens when the blood
supply to a section of a joint, such as the knee, is
disrupted, causing a small piece of bone and cartilage to
loosen. In children, this may heal on its own. But in
adolescents and older individuals, surgery may be
needed. Several procedures can be performed, including
a graft of bone and cartilage to replace the damaged
section of the joint.
OSTEOCHONDRITIS
DISSECANS REPAIR
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A Division of Southern Orthopedic Specialists, P.A.
