Microfracture and OATS Cartilage Transplantation
Arthroscopic procedures performed to treat articular cartilage defects of the ankle.
Contents
The microfracture technique stimulates cartilage growth by drilling multiple, tiny holes in the defect. This allows stem cells and bone marrow elements to migrate to the bone surface and promote cartilage repair.
The OATS procedure consists of grafting a section of articular cartilage from a non-weight bearing area to the defect of concern. The cartilage graft is removed with the underlying bone. The recipient site is prepared by drilling a socket that will accommodate the graft. The graft is then inserted into the prepared site.
An allograft transplant utilizes an articular cartilage and bone graft similar to the OATS procedure, but the graft is harvested from a cadaver donor.
Featured in Arthroscopy Techniques
Dr. Chen's surgical technique for arthroscopic assisted Talar OATs without fibular osteotomy has been featured in Arthroscopy Techniques - The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery.
Example Procedure Images
Arthroscopic view of large talar chondral lesion
Open view of chondral lesion
Cored recipient site of talus
Donor allograft talus with OATs plug removed
OATs plug ready for implantation
OATs plug implanted into talus
Common Questions About Arthroscopic Microfracture, OATS Cartilage Procedure
What is an OATS surgery?
OATS stands for Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation.
What is a cartilage allograft transplantation?
A cartilage allograft transplantation is different from an OATS because it used in larger cartilage lesions that exceed 1 cm in diameter.
How is an OATS performed?
In an OATS and cartilage and bone plug is taken from another part of the knee or from a cadaver and it is transplanted to a focal area that lacks cartilage. In order to prepare the cartilage defect for implantation of the OATS, an instrument is used to core out a recipient site for the implantation.
How is an allograft transplantation performed?
In a cartilage allograft transplantation a large piece of cartilage and bone are taken from a cadaver and transplanted into the cartilage defect.
How does an OATS heal?
The bony part of the transplant heals to the bony bed of the knee and thus the smooth cartilage surface is fixed in place.
What is the recovery after an OATS or allograft procedure?
A patient must be non-weight bearing for 8 weeks after the surgery on crutches. This is followed by physical therapy.
Procedure Video
Arthroscopic-Assisted Talar OATS without Fibular Osteotomy
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