Do you have hip or knee pain or an orthopedic surgery coming up? You may be wondering what surgery could look like to fix your muscle, bone or joint condition.
These 3D animations shown here are just some of those used by our orthopedic specialists and can assist you in better understanding your condition or procedure. These interactive videos are meant to provide a general, educational overview and each situation
is unique. We look forward to answering any additional questions you may have at your next appointment. Find a hip or knee doctor to schedule
an appointment if one is needed.
For a written explanation of the video or to print questions to ask your doctor, hover over the video and click on the paper or printer icons on the bottom of the video.
Cartilage procedure videos
- Articular cartilage problems - drilling/microfracture
- Articular cartilage problems - removal of damaged cartilage
- Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)
- Cartilage transplants - allograft (from cadaver)
- Cartilage transplants - autograft (from you)
- Meniscus problems - meniscus transplant
- Meniscus problems - torn meniscus repair
- Meniscus problems - torn meniscus trimming
- Patella (kneecap) pain - drilling/microfracture
- Patella (kneecap) pain - removal of damaged cartilage
Articular cartilage problems – drilling/microfracture
Articular cartilage provides a smooth gliding surface for joints and acts as a cushion between bones. This cartilage can break down and can lead to pain and swelling and problems with your joint. Drilling or microfracturing both stimulate new production
of healthy cartilage to decrease swelling and pain to improve motion and function.
Articular cartilage problems – removal of damaged cartilage (chondroplasty)
Articular cartilage provides a smooth gliding surface for joints and acts as a cushion between bones. This cartilage can break down and can lead to pain and swelling and problems with your joint. Removing damaged cartilage will help the bone in the
area heal properly.
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)
Articular cartilage provides a smooth gliding surface for joints and acts as a cushion between bones. This cartilage can break down and can lead to pain and swelling and problems with your joint. An autologous chondrocyte implantation helps true cartilage
cells grow in your joint and gradually replace damaged areas with healthy cartilage.
Cartilage transplants – allograft (from cadaver)
Articular cartilage provides a smooth gliding surface for joints and acts as a cushion between bones. This cartilage can break down and can lead to pain and swelling and problems with your joint. This procedure replaces damaged areas with those of
a donor to keep joints healthy and strong.
Cartilage transplants – autografts (from you)
Articular cartilage provides a smooth gliding surface for joints and acts as a cushion between bones. This cartilage can break down and can lead to pain and swelling and problems with your joint. This procedure replaces damaged areas with tissue from
another part of your body to keep your joints healthy and strong.
Meniscus problems – meniscus transplant
A healthy meniscus acts as a shock absorber and provides a smooth surface for your knee to glide on and protects cartilage from wear and tear. Various factors can cause knees to become unstable over time, and some may experience degenerative arthritis.
A meniscal transplant replaces the damaged knee meniscus with cartilage. This procedure brings stability back to your joint while also reducing pain.
Meniscus problems – torn meniscus repair
There are two menisci in each knee that absorb shock, disperse weight and reduce friction when the knee moves. Meniscus damage is a more common knee injury and usually results from forcefully twisting or pivoting the knee. Tears can also result
from repetitive kneeling and from wear over time as a normal consequence of aging. Symptoms include increasing pain, swelling, stiffness, pain with motion, instability, limited range of motion and sometimes a popping or locking sensation.
Repairing a torn meniscus can return stability and mobility to your joints and reduce or eliminate pain.
Meniscus problems – torn meniscus trimming
A torn meniscus is common and can be caused by activities such as walking, jumping, repetitive kneeling or jumping and playing certain sports. These tears usually cause pain, swelling and stiffness that increases the day after the initial injury and can sometimes cause pain with motion. Tears can also cause instability, limited range of motion, and sometimes a popping or locking sensation. A torn meniscus trim is done to trim the torn pieces of meniscus to leave healthy tissue in place.
Patella (kneecap) pain – drilling/microfracture
The patella protects the knee joint and helps muscles move your leg more efficiently. However, there are many conditions that can cause pain when your patella moves. Drilling or microfracturing will repair the damaged cartilage to prevent conditions
from worsening and can help take away pain from the knee cap.
Patella (kneecap) pain – removal of damaged cartilage (chondroplasty)
The patella protects the knee joint and helps muscles move your leg more efficiently. However, there are many conditions that can cause pain when your patella moves. Removing cartilage in the kneecap assists the area in healing to reduce pain in the
joint.
When you are injured or have muscle, bone or joint pain, it can often be confusing where to go or who to see for help. We have many convenient options to care for you and your pain, for all ages. This guide will help you make an educated decision based on your concern, urgency, treatment needed, cost and availability. Of course,
we are always just a phone call away to help guide you and schedule your appointment as needed.
As a Prevea Health patient, you are always a partner in your medical care. We strive to provide you with the knowledge needed to make educated decisions regarding your health care.
Ask the Doc interviews | Physician articles | What to expect |
| Watch provider videos to know how Prevea can care for your orthopedic needs. | Read articles to better understand prevention and treatment options. | Learn what to expect at your upcoming orthopedic appointment. |
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If you have any questions regarding a medical issue, please consult with your specialist at the time of your appointment or call Prevea Health at (888) 277-3832 and our staff will be happy to assist you. For more information about Prevea orthopedics, click here.