Table of Contents
DeNovo Cartilage Repair: A Breakthrough Treatment for Osteochondral Lesions
Introduction
What is an Osteochondral Lesion?
An osteochondral lesion occurs when the cartilage and underlying bone in a joint become damaged, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Common causes include:
- Ankle sprains or trauma 鈥� Repeated injuries can damage cartilage over time.
- Osteoarthritis 鈥� Degenerative joint disease can contribute to cartilage breakdown.
- Repetitive stress 鈥� Athletes and active individuals are at higher risk.
- Congenital defects 鈥� Some people have a genetic predisposition to cartilage issues.
Symptoms of an osteochondral lesion include persistent ankle pain, joint swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight. Left untreated, cartilage damage can worsen, leading to arthritis and chronic pain.
What is DeNovo Cartilage Repair?
DeNovo cartilage repair is a biological treatment that uses juvenile cartilage cells to regenerate damaged cartilage in the joint. Unlike traditional cartilage repair methods that require harvesting the patient鈥檚 own tissue, DeNovo uses pre-packaged cartilage allografts derived from young donors. These cells have a high regenerative capacity, making them ideal for repairing defects in the foot and ankle.
During the procedure, the damaged cartilage is cleaned and prepared, and DeNovo grafts are placed directly onto the lesion, integrating with the surrounding tissue over time. This technique allows for natural cartilage restoration, reducing pain and improving joint function.
Benefits of DeNovo Cartilage Repair
Patients with osteochondral lesions can benefit from DeNovo cartilage repair in several ways: Patients with osteochondral lesions can benefit from DeNovo cartilage repair in several ways:
- Minimally invasive approach 鈥� Reduces trauma to surrounding tissues.
- No need for donor-site harvesting 鈥� Unlike other cartilage repair procedures, DeNovo does not require taking cartilage from another part of the body.
- Long-term cartilage regeneration 鈥� Juvenile cartilage cells have superior regenerative potential.
- Pain relief and improved mobility 鈥� Helps restore joint function and reduce discomfort.
- Lower risk of arthritis progression 鈥� Treating cartilage damage early can help prevent joint deterioration.
Who is a Good Candidate for DeNovo Cartilage Repair?
This treatment is ideal for patients who:
- Have a diagnosed osteochondral lesion in the foot or ankle.
- Experience chronic joint pain that limits daily activities.
- Have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy and injections without success.
- Are looking for a biological, regenerative approach to cartilage repair.
A podiatrist will assess your condition using imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to determine if DeNovo cartilage repair is the right option for you.
The DeNovo Cartilage Repair Procedure
DeNovo cartilage repair is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia. The process includes:
- Cartilage Defect Preparation: The damaged cartilage is cleaned, and unhealthy tissue is removed.
- DeNovo Graft Placement: The juvenile cartilage cells are applied directly to the lesion.
- Fixation: The graft is secured in place to ensure proper integration.
- Closure and Recovery: The incision is closed, and post-operative care begins.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from DeNovo cartilage repair varies depending on the size of the lesion and the patient鈥檚 overall health. General guidelines include:
- Initial immobilization 鈥� A boot or brace may be required for several weeks.
- Physical therapy 鈥� Rehabilitation exercises help restore strength and mobility.
- Gradual weight-bearing 鈥� Patients can start putting weight on the foot as healing progresses.
- Full recovery timeline 鈥� Most patients regain full function within 3 to 6 months.
To ensure optimal healing, follow these aftercare tips:
- Adhere to weight-bearing restrictions recommended by your podiatrist.
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
- Engage in prescribed physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
DeNovo cartilage repair is a safe and effective procedure, but as with any medical treatment, some risks exist, including:
- Temporary joint stiffness or swelling
- Delayed integration of the cartilage graft
- Risk of infection or inflammation
- Possibility of additional procedures if healing is incomplete
Discuss any concerns with your podiatrist to ensure you fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Why Choose University Foot & Ankle Institute?
DeNovo cartilage repair is a cutting-edge, regenerative treatment for osteochondral lesions that offers long-term pain relief and joint restoration. If you鈥檙e experiencing chronic foot or ankle pain due to cartilage damage, this procedure could be the solution to restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
At University Foot & Ankle Institute, our board-certified podiatrists offer expert care for conditions like chonic joint pain. We provide advanced treatment options, from conservative care to surgical solutions, ensuring personalized care for every patient.
Dr. Justin Franson, DPM, is a Board Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist and Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He attended the School College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, graduating in 2001. Dr. Franson then accepted a three-year residency program at the Greater Los Angeles VA and UCLA County Hospital.
Dr. Franson specializes in several areas including total ankle replacement and sports medicine. Treating athletes and weekend warriors like himself brings him a lot of joy. Dr. Franson keeps active with running marathons, triathlons, hiking, basketball, and golf.
