Name of the Procedure:

Osteochondral Allograft, Knee, Open

Summary

An osteochondral allograft is a surgical procedure used to repair damaged cartilage in the knee. It involves transplanting healthy cartilage and bone from a donor into the patient's knee to restore joint function and relieve pain.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Addresses cartilage damage or defects in the knee.
• Goals: To restore knee function, alleviate pain, and delay or prevent the progression of arthritis.

Indications

• Persistent knee pain and swelling that doesn't respond to non-surgical treatments.
• Cartilage defects or lesions identified via imaging studies.
• Suitable for patients who are typically younger and active, as well as those who have limited joint damage.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments to certain medications as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Preoperative imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is administered general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made over the knee to expose the joint.
3. Damaged cartilage is carefully removed.
4. A donor graft, which includes healthy cartilage and underlying bone, is shaped to fit the defect area.
5. The graft is implanted into the knee and secured in place.
6. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Tools/Equipment: Surgical knives, graft shaping tools, fixation devices.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the damage and complexity of the graft placement.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Nurses
• Surgical Technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Graft rejection or failure
• Joint stiffness or decreased range of motion
• Continued knee pain

Benefits

• Pain relief and improved knee function.
• Enhanced quality of life.
• Potential to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.

Recovery

• Initial recovery involves immobilization and limited weight-bearing on the affected leg.
• Physical therapy is crucial for restoring function.
• Full recovery may take several months, with follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical options: physical therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections.
• Other surgical treatments: microfracture surgery, autologous chondrocyte implantation, partial knee replacement.
• Pros and cons vary based on individual patient conditions.

Patient Experience

• Patients can expect some pain and swelling post-surgery, managed with prescribed pain medications.
• Ice packs and elevation of the leg help reduce swelling.
• Gradual improvement in knee function and reduction in pain with adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

This covers the key aspects and detailed steps of the osteochondral allograft procedure for the knee, providing a comprehensive guide while being accessible to patients and medical professionals alike.