Cartilage Restoration

Damaged or deteriorating cartilage is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain, stiffness, and lost mobility — and unlike skin or bone, cartilage does not regenerate on its own. Whether the result of a sports injury, repetitive wear and tear, or a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis, cartilage loss can progressively worsen over time and significantly limit your ability to stay active. Advanced cartilage restoration techniques now make it possible to repair, replace, or stimulate the regrowth of damaged cartilage — helping patients preserve joint function and delay or avoid joint replacement surgery altogether.

Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with more than 30 years of specialized experience and over 15,000 orthopedic procedures performed. An early adopter of biologic therapies — including bone marrow-based treatments used in the operating room — Dr. Glashow brings a forward-thinking approach to cartilage care that draws on decades of treating professional athletes as Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000 and a New York Magazine “Best Doctor” multiple times over, he offers patients on the Upper East Side access to the same advanced cartilage restoration methods trusted at the highest levels of professional sport.

Advanced Options in Cartilage Treatments

Most people will lose cartilage as they grow older due to normal wear and tear, but cartilage loss or damage can occur at any age. Injury, disease and repetitive use can destroy cartilage and lead to painful joint conditions. Dr. Glashow and his team have extensive experience in joint repairs, including advanced options in cartilage restoration and treatment. We offer the following cartilage restoration methods at our orthopedic practice:

You do not need to accept deteriorating joint function. If you have joint pain because of lost cartilage from an injury or disease, contact us at Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine today to schedule your joint preservation consultation. Our orthopedic specialists offer the most advanced methods of articular cartilage restoration at our clinic in UES New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cartilage Restoration

Is cartilage restoration the same as joint replacement?

No — cartilage restoration is designed to repair or regenerate your existing joint surface rather than replacing the joint entirely. Techniques such as cartilage transplantation, microfracture, and cell-based therapies aim to restore the natural cartilage layer, and for many patients these procedures can delay or eliminate the need for a total joint replacement.

Who is a good candidate for cartilage restoration?

Ideal candidates are patients with localized cartilage damage — often from a sports injury, trauma, or early-stage osteoarthritis — who still have healthy surrounding joint structures. Dr. Glashow evaluates each patient individually using advanced imaging and clinical examination to determine whether a cartilage restoration approach is appropriate based on the size, location, and severity of the defect.

How long does recovery take after a cartilage restoration procedure?

Recovery timelines vary depending on the specific technique used and the location of the cartilage damage. Many patients begin physical therapy within the first few weeks, with a gradual return to low-impact activities over two to four months. Full recovery — including a return to high-impact sports or demanding physical activity — may take six months to a year, and Dr. Glashow coordinates post-operative rehabilitation closely with physical therapists to optimize healing.

Does cartilage grow back after restoration surgery?

Certain procedures, such as microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation, are designed to stimulate the body’s own capacity to produce new cartilage tissue. While the regenerated tissue may differ slightly from the original hyaline cartilage, these techniques can produce a durable, functional surface that relieves pain and restores joint movement for years.

What cartilage restoration options does Dr. Glashow offer?

Dr. Glashow provides a range of advanced cartilage restoration techniques at his Upper East Side practice, including cartilage repair and transplantation as well as cartilage replacement procedures. The best approach depends on factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, the extent of cartilage loss, and overall joint health — all of which are assessed during a thorough consultation.

Can cartilage restoration help me avoid knee replacement surgery?

For many patients with cartilage damage that has not yet progressed to advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis, cartilage restoration can significantly extend the life of the natural joint. By addressing cartilage defects early — before widespread degeneration occurs — these procedures may postpone or prevent the need for knee replacement, particularly in younger or more active patients.