Knee cartilage surgery can be a good treatment option for those looking to regain a normal lifestyle. Since damaged cartilage does not tend to heal by itself, surgical intervention may be necessitated, especially for young and active patients whose symptoms do not improve with conservative management.
Before opting for surgery, many people are curious about its pros and cons, as well as how long it takes to recover from knee cartilage surgery.
This article deals with such queries and discusses how you should care for yourself after a knee cartilage surgery for rapid recovery.
Recovery From Knee Cartilage Surgery
Recovery after every surgery takes time. The same goes for cartilage repair surgeries. Surgeries such as Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS), Osteochondral Allograft (OCA), and Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI), are known for taking substantially longer, often between 6 to 9 months for full healing. Meanwhile, some simpler, less invasive procedures like chondroplasty, which involves smoothing degenerative cartilage and trimming away unstable cartilage flaps, may take as little as 6 weeks for complete recovery.
Recovery depends on the patient’s age, exercise routine, and other lifestyle factors. Patients who have had surgery will have some pain and swelling in the first few weeks after the procedure. In the first 2 weeks, the priority will be to provide pain relief with painkillers, reduce swelling, and improve range of motion. This is crucial for stimulating the cartilage cells and supporting the healing process of the repaired knee cartilage.
Depending on the site of the knee cartilage repair, they may be asked to do protected weight-bearing for the first few weeks, facilitating cartilage repair. If the cartilage defect is in the anterior compartment or associated with knee injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a knee brace may also be required to restrict motion and lend stability. Most people are allowed to weight-bear as tolerated after 4 to 6 weeks, in the absence of pain and swelling. Knee braces are gradually weaned, and strengthening and conditioning of the operated knee joint occur after that.
Within the first 3 months, patients regain range of motion, with a reduction in swelling and pain. Between 3 and 6 months, patients rebuild strength in the operated leg and begin static cycling and brisk walking. Some patients may also recover more quickly and may be able to do light jogging before 6 months. A return to sports such as football and basketball may take another 3 months.
Do note that recovery time for individuals who have undergone knee cartilage surgery varies from person to person, making it difficult to predict how long it will take for a specific individual to fully recover after surgical treatment.
Factors That Affect Recovery After Knee Cartilage Surgery
The following factors can influence recovery from surgery after suffering from knee cartilage damage.
- Age of the patient
- Weight of the patient
- Medical history of the patient
- Compliance with initial protection and knee bracing
- Size and location of cartilage defect
- Nature of cartilage repair performed
- Compliance with physiotherapy and strengthening routine
How to Encourage Faster Recovery Following Knee Cartilage Surgery
Below are some tips to enhance recovery:
- In the first weeks after surgery, the aim is to reduce swelling by icing the knee, elevation, and gentle compression.
- You can shower after surgery. You may be provided with a shower cover to keep the wound dry until the stitches are removed.
- Adhere to the bracing and weight-bearing restrictions to protect the cartilage regeneration.
- Perform exercises recommended by your physiotherapist and surgeon.
- Rest when you are exhausted and listen to your body. If you experience pain or swelling in the knee, take it as a sign that the knee needs rest.
- Even with no pain or swelling, avoid walking, standing or climbing for extended periods in the first few weeks after surgery. Consult with your surgeon first.
- You will typically be allowed to move your knee in bed to improve its range of motion. The allowed angles on the knee brace will gradually be adjusted to allow more motion as the cartilage heals, and you’ll be able to progress in weight-bearing.
- You can consume your regular diet.
- If you experience increasing pain, persistent swelling, fever, wound discharge, or anything concerning, speak to your surgeon.
- The physiotherapist will create a programme to gradually improve your strength before introducing agility drills, allowing you to return to play. Be patient.
The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Cartilage Regeneration with Collagen Scaffolds
Cartilage has no blood supply, and hence it usually does not heal well on its own. There are several different techniques for cartilage repair, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
One of the popular techniques currently used for cartilage repair is bone marrow concentrate with a collagen scaffold. Bone marrow concentrate, harvested from the iliac crest or from the knee, is infused onto a collagen scaffold and placed in the area of the cartilage defect, where it is glued in place. This combination helps stimulate cartilage growth by encouraging the migration of chondrocytes from neighbouring cartilage and allowing them to use the collagen matrix on the scaffold to lay down new cartilage in the damaged area. The knee is protected for the first few weeks to allow this process to occur. Once the scaffold is stable, after about 4-6 weeks, the patient is allowed a gradual increase in weight-bearing, and the knee brace is weaned. As weight-bearing is increased and the knee is strengthened, the patient is followed up for symptoms and knee swelling. Return to sports may occur around 6 to 9 months.
Take Care of Your Knee
We hope we have addressed the queries you may have about cartilage repair surgery.
Your health is our priority. Knee cartilage injuries can be painful and difficult to heal. With the proper diagnosis, assessment and treatment, we believe we at Hip & Knee Orthopaedics can help guide you through the available options for dealing with a damaged knee cartilage. If you have any questions about healthy cartilage, knee conditions, or sports injuries, please contact us here.
