7 Advanced Joint Preservation Techniques

Joint preservation techniques encompass a range of innovative approaches aimed at maintaining joint health, delaying degeneration and avoiding or postponing the need for joint replacement surgery. These methods focus on restoring joint function, alleviating pain and improving mobility for patients with arthritis and other damaging joint conditions. The following are seven of the most effective joint preservation techniques that we offer at DOCS Health in Los Angeles, CA.

1. Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)

ACI is a sophisticated procedure designed to repair damaged cartilage in the joints, commonly used in the knee. It involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells from a patient’s non-weight-bearing area, culturing these cells in a lab to increase their number, and then implanting them into the damaged joint area to promote cartilage repair and regeneration.

2. Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS)

OATS, also known as mosaicplasty, involves transferring small plugs of healthy cartilage and underlying bone from a non-weight-bearing part of the joint to the damaged area. This technique aims to replace damaged cartilage with healthy grafts, restoring joint surfaces and improving function.

3. Abrasion Arthroplasty

Abrasion arthroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat mild to moderate joint damage. It involves the removal of damaged cartilage and a portion of the underlying bone using high-speed burrs or tools, promoting the growth of new, healthier cartilage.

4. Amniotic Fluid Injections

Amniotic fluid injections contain various growth factors, proteins and stem cells extracted from the amniotic sac of donated placentas. When injected into damaged joints, these substances can aid in reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and potentially enhancing joint healing.

5. Drilling

Subchondral drilling involves creating tiny holes in the bone underneath the damaged cartilage to stimulate blood flow and initiate a healing response. This technique encourages the formation of fibrocartilage, which can help repair small areas of cartilage damage.

6. Microfracture

Microfracture is an arthroscopic procedure used to treat small cartilage defects in the joint. It involves creating multiple small holes in the bone near the damaged cartilage. This process stimulates the release of bone marrow cells, promoting the formation of a healing clot that eventually matures into new cartilage-like tissue.

7. Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, involve injecting a gel-like substance into the joint space. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joint, reducing friction, improving joint movement and providing temporary relief from joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Benefits and Considerations of Joint Preservation Techniques:

For those in the early stages of joint cartilage loss, preservation methods can slow the deterioration and offer many benefits, including the following:

• Pain Relief: These techniques aim to alleviate joint pain and improve function, offering relief to individuals with joint conditions.
• Joint Preservation: By repairing damaged cartilage and promoting healing, these treatments can help preserve joint integrity and delay the need for more invasive procedures.
• Minimally Invasive: Many of these techniques are minimally invasive, resulting in shorter recovery times and reduced post-operative discomfort compared to traditional surgeries.
• Potential Long-Term Benefits: In some cases, these treatments can yield long-term benefits by enhancing joint health and function.

Results can vary based on the severity of joint damage, the patient’s overall health and individual response to treatment. Some patients may benefit from utilizing a combination of these methods, but some techniques may be suitable only for specific types or stages of joint damage.

Joint Preservation Options in Los Angeles

Joint preservation techniques represent a rapidly evolving field in orthopedics, offering promising avenues for managing joint conditions and improving patient outcomes. These innovative approaches, including ACI, OATS, abrasion arthroplasty, amniotic fluid injections, drilling, microfracture and hyaluronic acid injections, showcase the breadth of options available for preserving joint health and function. Continued research and advancements in these techniques are critical in expanding treatment options and optimizing joint care for individuals with joint-related conditions.

Our experienced orthopedic team at DOCS Health evaluates our patients to determine the most suitable treatment based on individual needs and the severity of joint damage. If you are suffering from loss of cartilage that is causing joint pain or mobility concerns, contact our team to schedule a joint preservation consultation. Call our clinic in the Los Angeles, CA, metro area to book your appointment.