Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration
A range of surgical procedures to restore focal cartilage damage in the knee — from microfracture and OATS to advanced ACI techniques — preserving the joint and delaying or preventing the need for replacement.
What is Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration?
Articular cartilage covers the bone surfaces within the knee and enables smooth, pain-free movement. Unlike most tissues, it has virtually no capacity for self-repair once damaged, because it lacks a blood supply. Focal cartilage defects — whether from sports injury, osteochondral lesion, or early localised arthritis — cause pain, swelling, and eventually accelerate joint degeneration. A range of procedures exists to restore cartilage — from microfracture (stimulating fibrocartilage) to OATS (transplanting healthy cartilage plugs) and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), which grows the patient's own cartilage cells in a lab before reimplantation.
Suitable for younger, active patients with focal, full-thickness cartilage defects (typically < 4 cm²) on a single weight-bearing surface, without widespread osteoarthritis. Not suitable for multi-compartment or diffuse cartilage loss.
How the Procedure Works
Defect Assessment
Size, depth, and location of the cartilage defect are measured arthroscopically and on MRI. This determines which procedure is most appropriate.
Procedure Selection
Chondroplasty (smoothing) for minor damage; microfracture for defects < 2 cm²; OATS for 1–3 cm² defects; ACI for large or previously failed defects.
Microfracture Technique
Multiple small perforations are made in the subchondral bone — this stimulates a blood-rich clot that develops into fibrocartilage repair tissue.
OATS Technique
Healthy osteochondral plugs are harvested from a non-weight-bearing area and press-fit into the defect — providing durable hyaline-like cartilage.
Post-op Protocol
Strict non-weight-bearing or partial loading for 6–12 weeks allows the repair tissue to mature; full recovery at 6–12 months.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Preserves the natural knee joint — delays or avoids the need for replacement
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Multiple techniques available — matched to defect size, depth, and patient age
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Microfracture and OATS are well-established with decades of evidence
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ACI uses the patient's own cells — completely biological repair
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Simultaneous treatment of associated meniscal or ligament injuries
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Best outcomes in younger, lighter patients with focal, isolated defects
"Cartilage repair is one of the most technically demanding areas of knee surgery. Selecting the right procedure for the right defect in the right patient is critical — a poorly chosen procedure gives poor results. We take time to get that decision right."
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant and Trauma Surgeon , Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of knee cartilage repair & regeneration in Hyderabad depends on the complexity of the condition, the technology and implants used, and the care needed before and after the procedure. Your treating doctor will share a personalised estimate after your consultation.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration | Shared after consultation |
The final cost may vary depending on your individual condition, findings during the procedure, and whether any additional procedures are required.
Factors That Influence Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration Cost
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Complexity and severity of the condition being treated
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Type of anaesthesia and surgical technique used
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Pre-operative investigations and evaluations required
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Duration of hospital stay and post-operative care needed
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Any additional procedures performed during the same surgery
Is Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration Covered by Insurance?
Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration may be covered by health insurance when it is performed for a medically necessary condition. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, inclusions, and the approval process.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
During consultation, Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and investigation reports to determine whether Knee Cartilage Repair & Regeneration is right for you, and will guide you on the expected outcomes and estimated cost based on your individual condition.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Satish Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.