Liquid Cartilage

Liquid Cartilage Replacement

Liquid cartilage replacement is replacing the cartilage in a liquid form. Traditionally when we were replacing cartilage it entailed open surgery. However, when the new technology came along with liquid cartilage replacement, it can be done using minimally invasive keyhole surgical techniques. What we are trying to do with liquid cartilage replacement is to find a defect within the cartilage, freshen that defect and replace it with this liquid which will cure the defect within the joint. Once that is cured, new cartilage will grow onto the liquid to form new cartilage.

Benefits of Undergoing Liquid Cartilage Replacement

Liquid cartilage replacement is a minimally invasive surgery. It will replace and regenerate the cartilage defect within the joint. The benefit of it is once the cartilage replaces, it will regenerate and regrow and it will become a part of yourself. It will then renew, regenerate and reduce the wear around the joint. In a way, it will halt and turn back the arthritis process. It is very beneficial as it is a minimally invasive surgery. However, the candidate who is suitable for liquid cartilage replacement is limited. It is very important to seek expert advice and an MRI scan to identify whether you are the right candidate for it.

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Who is an ideal candidate for this operation?

The ideal candidate for liquid cartilage replacement is a patient who would like to have minimally invasive surgery, has damage in the cartilage but does not have severe, advanced osteoarthritis. We often assess patients with an MRI scan. With the MRI scan, we can identify where the lesion is and how big it is.

Up to a certain size, liquid cartilage replacement is possible, anything bigger than that may be difficult. However, if it is not possible for us to do cartilage replacement, there are other things that we can do.

What are the main complications associated with the surgery?

Liquid cartilage regeneration is a regeneration process. It will lead sometimes to stiffness and fibrosis within the joint. As we are trying to stimulate the joint to heal and regenerate, more fibrosis and cartilage can form.

It is very important to work with physiotherapy and plan your surgery accordingly. Without appropriate movement and appropriate post-operative and pre-operative treatment and planning, liquid cartilage is not likely to be successful.

Will I require another liquid cartilage replacement in my lifetime or is one enough?

Usually with liquid cartilage replacement, one is enough. If the body has taken the replacement, it becomes a part of you. Your normal cells around your joint will grow onto the liquid cartilage and that defect has then healed. However other places within the joint could also be damaged later on and then, at these times, we can treat the same problem on a different site with liquid cartilage.

Most of the time, I would expect that if the body has taken to the liquid cartilage, that is a cure, it will not need further surgery on that specific site. However, if the liquid cartilage does not take, then it may be an issue and then we can do further different treatments to stimulate the growth of this.

Know More About Our Treatments

Scientists around the world have been working on the treatment of joint pain and there are many approved therapies designed specifically for cartilage issues.

Each person’s needs should be taken into account with their individual circumstances and at the same time, each joint will have a specific environment and need. For further details, please feel free to contact us.

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Other Treatments

Other treatments we offer include biological surgery, knee meniscus, salvage treatment for cartilage damage for the whole body, cartilage supplements, and scaffold regeneration.

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