Joint Preservation Surgery

With increasing life expectancy, there is growing demand for preservation of native articular cartilage to delay joint arthroplasties, especially in younger, active patients. Damage to the hyaline cartilage of a joint has a limited intrinsic capacity to heal. This can lead to accelerated degeneration of the joint and early-onset osteoarthritis. Treatment in the past was limited, however, and surgical treatment options continue to evolve that may allow restoration of the natural biology of the articular cartilage.

Joint preservation surgery is a fascinating field that focuses on maintaining and restoring the function of a joint, often to avoid or delay the need for joint replacement. This type of surgery is commonly employed in conditions like osteoarthritis or injuries that affect the joints.

The goal is to intervene early in the disease process, addressing issues that, if left untreated, could lead to irreversible joint damage. Joint preservation techniques include arthroscopy, osteotomy, and various cartilage restoration procedures. Arthroscopy involves using a small camera to visualize and treat joint problems. Osteotomy involves cutting and repositioning bones to relieve stress on the joint. Cartilage restoration procedures aim to repair or replace damaged cartilage.

These procedures can be beneficial for patients who want to maintain an active lifestyle and delay the need for more invasive interventions like joint replacement surgery. It’s an exciting area of orthopedics that combines surgical expertise with a focus on preserving the natural joint whenever possible.