Knee joint pain and cartilage damage can significantly impact one’s quality of life, often leading to discomfort, limited mobility, and decreased function. While traditional treatments such as physical therapy and medication can provide symptomatic relief, advanced orthopedic methods offer promising solutions for restoring knee joint health. Orthopedic surgeon Jonathan L. Glashow, M.D., based in NYC, specializes in innovative techniques for knee joint cartilage replacement, offering patients cutting-edge treatment options to stimulate healing and promote long-term joint function.
Cutting-Edge Treatment Options to Stimulate Healing
Dr. Glashow offers the latest treatment options to stimulate healing and promote cartilage regeneration within the knee joint. One such method involves Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) therapy, where a patient’s own bone marrow cells are harvested and injected into the damaged area to encourage tissue repair. Additionally, amniotic fluid injections containing growth factors and stem cells can help stimulate healing and reduce inflammation, providing a non-surgical option for cartilage repair.
Percutaneous Drilling and Cartilage Scar Tissue Growth
Percutaneous drilling, also known as microfracture surgery, is another innovative technique used by Dr. Glashow to stimulate cartilage repair. During this minimally invasive procedure, small holes are drilled into the bone beneath the damaged cartilage, stimulating the formation of cartilage scar tissue. While this scar tissue may not fully replicate the original cartilage, it can help improve joint function and alleviate symptoms in some patients, particularly those with smaller cartilage defects.
Cartilage Harvesting and Transplantation
For more extensive cartilage damage, Dr. Glashow may recommend cartilage harvesting and transplantation procedures. In this approach, healthy cartilage tissue is harvested from another joint, such as the knee or hip, and transplanted into the damaged area of the knee joint. This technique, known as autologous chondrocyte transplantation or mosaicplasty, allows for the restoration of damaged cartilage and can provide long-term relief for patients with larger cartilage defects.
Implanting Cartilage Cells Reproduced in a Medical Lab
In cases where traditional cartilage repair methods are not sufficient, Dr. Glashow may utilize advanced techniques such as implanting cartilage cells reproduced and grown in a medical lab. This approach, known as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), involves harvesting a small sample of healthy cartilage cells from the patient’s knee joint. These cells are then cultured and multiplied in a laboratory before being implanted back into the damaged area of the knee joint, where they can promote cartilage regeneration and repair.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow offers a comprehensive approach to knee joint cartilage replacement, utilizing cutting-edge treatment options to address a range of cartilage defects and injuries. From stimulating healing with BMC therapy and percutaneous drilling to performing cartilage harvesting and transplantation procedures, Dr. Glashow provides personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. By harnessing the latest advancements in orthopedic medicine, patients can regain mobility, reduce pain, and enjoy improved joint function for years to come. If you are interested in learning more about cartilage replacement options to improve your knee joint and mobility, contact the office of Jonathan L. Glashow, M.D., in NYC.
