Skilled Knee Cartilage Transplant Physician in Eagle County

Some patients aren't ready for a total knee replacement. Perhaps they're active, younger people. Or maybe it's a small amount of damage in the knee cartilage that's causing pain or swelling. In those situations, Dr. Sterett and his expert team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery may recommend a knee cartilage transplant.

What is a Knee Cartilage Transplant?

A knee cartilage transplant is a surgical procedure where Dr. Sterett takes a piece of healthy cartilage from another joint to repair the damaged knee cartilage. This transplant will be one of the following:

• Osteochondral Autograph: This transplant uses cartilage from the patient's own body, taken from a non-weight-bearing joint. Knee cartilage autographs are often performed when the damaged cartilage is localized in a small section of the knee joint.

• Osteochondral Allograft: Cartilage is taken from a donor to replace the damaged knee cartilage in the patient. Knee cartilage allografts are often recommended for patients presenting a large area of cartilage damage in the knee joint.

During both of these procedures, Dr. Sterett will use the healthy cartilage to fill in or "plug up" the damaged area in the patient's knee cartilage. Both these graft options are performed arthroscopically, which allows for a smaller incision and faster recovery time. 

In rare situations, Dr. Sterett may recommend an autologous chondrocyte transplant, which requires two surgeries. This is a procedure that involves growing new cells from the patient's tissue and then injecting them into the damaged joint. Autologous chondrocyte transplants are typically only recommended for patients who have multiple areas of cartilage damage. 

Who Qualifies for Knee Cartilage Transplant Surgery?

A knee cartilage transplant is often recommended for the following patients:

• Between 18-50 years-old

• Active and healthy

• Showing no misalignment of the knee

• Have knee pain even while at rest

• With localized cartilage damage

In general, a knee cartilage transplant is a good option for younger, more active people who are experiencing knee pain caused by worn cartilage. It is not for everybody, but it is a great alternative to a partial knee replacement - one that can delay knee osteoarthritis symptoms caused by bone-on-bone wear. 

Pros and Cons of Knee Cartilage Transplant Surgery?

For our younger, more active patients, there are serious advantages to knee cartilage transplant surgery over a knee replacement. These include:

• Faster recovery time

• Immediate, long-term pain relief

• Less-invasive

• Reduced risk of infection and scarring

• Maintaining the knee joint's stability

• Improved joint movement

• Return to physical activities at a high-level

• Natural repair of cartilage

A knee cartilage transplant does not mean patients won't need a knee replacement further down the line. Additionally, donor transplants don't always respond well in the new body. 

Looking for a "Knee Cartilage Surgeon Near Me"? Contact Team Sterett Today!

Let's get you back to doing the activities you love!

Dr. Sterett is known throughout Colorado as the leading expert in knee injuries, with a specialty in knee cartilage transplant surgery. After working with the Steadman Clinic for 18 years, Dr. Sterett brought his expertise to Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, where he practices out of two convenient locations in the Vail Valley.

Request a consultation to discuss if knee cartilage transplant surgery is right for you! Contact our offices at (970) 476-7220 or submit an appointment request via our online platform.