Patient Information Resources


Alpine Physical Therapy
Three Locations
In North, South, and Downtown Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
Ph: 406-251-2323
Fax: 406-251-2999
Info@AlpinePTmissoula.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

« Back

I'm very excited because I've been selected to receive a cartilage transplant for my knee. Hopefully this will help me get back into sports activities. What kind of restrictions will I have and for how long?

Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a fairly new treatment approach for severe cartilage damage to the knee. Some surgeons are also using it in the shoulder.

A plug of bone topped by the joint cartilage is removed from a donor within 24 hours of his or her death. The graft can be saved and used for up to 28 days.

Postoperative rehab is important. Continuous active motion is advised. The patient is given a series of exercises that must be done every waking hour. Athletes are slowly prepared to engage in competitive sports. High-impact activities aren't allowed for at least a year.

It takes this long before the graft is fully accepted and grafted as part of the body tissue. Until then the player is benched. Training and sports play can resume when X-rays confirm a successful graft acceptance. Each surgeon will have his or her own protocol, which may vary from what is presented here. Be sure to ask your surgeon for an outline of what to expect in this area.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.