Articular cartilage Defect

[jackthegreat74]

What is the recovery period after knee surgery for full thickness articular cartilage defect

[jackthegreat74]

It is not looking good at all. I went to see my a consultant and he is now recomending high tibial osteotomy as I have varus deformities (bow leg)

Has any one been in a similar situation before as I am really reluntant to go under the knive again.

Doctors in the house, is this the only option I now have? The key hole surgery for articular cartilage demage is just six months old. Should I wait a little longer before commiting to another surgery ?

[jackthegreat74]

Hello Dr,

I hope you are well. I am still on this issue. I have had my operation for six months now and I am still feeling some pain in my knee( still cant jog or run or bend the knew forward) . is that normal? Does that mean the wound is not completely heal yet or is this another issue?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.

[jackthegreat74]

Thank you Dr Vinod, U are the best. I shall patiently wait then.

Keep up the good work.

[Dr Vinod]

You would recover in 3 months but are not advised to play actively and competitively till you gain full strength and this would take much longer time.

Consult with your Orthopaedician and Physitherapist and do not stress yourself.

Take care!

[jackthegreat74]

Hi,

Thanks for your response. It was a full thickness articular cartilage defect measuring 1.5 x 1.5cms.  I think that is a Grade IV and a microfracture was performed.

What do you mean by active sports? I got injured playing football. Why does it take that long?

[Dr Vinod]

For active sports it will take atleast 12 months, i.e an year.

[Dr Vinod]

It would take 12 to 16 weeks but with younger age the recovery is faster.
The exact time will depend on the procedure, person to person.
Take care!