Cartilage Restoration Surgery NJ | Knee Cartilage Repair

What Is Cartilage Restoration Surgery?

Understanding Cartilage Damage

Cartilage restoration is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure designed to repair damaged knee cartilage and promote new cartilage growth. Articular cartilage is the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of bones in the knee joint, allowing for pain-free movement.

Dr. Daniel Feghhi, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee injuries, performs cartilage restoration using advanced arthroscopic techniques. When cartilage is damaged due to injury, wear, or conditions like osteoarthritis, it cannot heal on its own. Cartilage restoration procedures help regenerate healthy cartilage and delay or prevent the need for knee replacement surgery.

90-120

Minutes Surgery Time

2-3

Small Incisions

Why Choose Cartilage Restoration?

Joint Preservation
Preserves your natural knee joint and delays need for replacement
Pain Relief
Reduces knee pain and improves mobility
Return to Activities
Enables return to sports and daily activities
Long-Lasting Results
Proper healing provides durable cartilage repair

Are You a Candidate?

Am I a Candidate for Cartilage Restoration Surgery?

Not all cartilage injuries require surgery. Learn what factors determine if cartilage restoration is right for you.

Age & Activity Level

Active individuals under age 40-50 with localized cartilage defects are ideal candidates. Cartilage restoration works best for patients who want to maintain an active lifestyle and preserve their natural knee joint.

Size of Defect

Cartilage restoration is most effective for localized cartilage defects typically less than 2-3cm in size. Larger defects or widespread arthritis may require alternative treatments.

Age & Health

Younger patients with healthy surrounding cartilage tend to have the best outcomes. Overall knee health and absence of significant arthritis are important considerations.

Stable Knee Joint

Candidates should have stable ligaments (ACL, PCL intact). If there is ligament instability, this must be addressed before or during cartilage restoration.

Commitment to Recovery

Successful cartilage restoration requires a significant rehabilitation commitment of 6-12 months. Patients must be willing to follow weight-bearing restrictions and complete physical therapy.

Failed Conservative Treatment

If you've tried physical therapy, bracing, and injections but still experience knee pain and limited function, cartilage restoration may be the best option to restore joint health.

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Step by Step

What Happens During Cartilage Restoration Surgery?

Understanding the surgical procedure helps you feel confident and prepared for your treatment.

Preparation & Anesthesia

You will receive general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The surgical team prepares the knee with antiseptic solution and positions the leg for optimal access. A tourniquet may be used to minimize bleeding.

Arthroscopic Evaluation

Dr. Feghhi makes 2-3 small incisions and inserts the arthroscope to visualize the damaged cartilage. The size, depth, and location of the cartilage defect are assessed to determine the best restoration technique.

Cartilage Restoration Technique

Depending on your specific condition, Dr. Feghhi may perform microfracture, osteochondral autograft (OATs), or MACI procedure. Each technique stimulates new cartilage growth or transplants healthy cartilage to the damaged area.

Closure & Dressing

The portals are closed with sterile strips and adhesive. A soft dressing and knee brace are applied. The entire procedure typically takes 90-120 minutes depending on the technique and complexity.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration 90-120 minutes

Incisions 2-3 small (5mm)

Anesthesia General

Hospital Stay Same-day (outpatient)

Weight Bearing 6-8 weeks (protected)

Recovery to Sports 6-12 months

Dr. Feghhi will discuss specific details during your consultation

Recovery Timeline

What Is the Recovery Timeline After Cartilage Restoration?

Cartilage restoration requires a dedicated rehabilitation program of 6-12 months to allow the new cartilage to mature and strengthen. This extended timeline is essential for successful outcomes.

Weeks 1-6

Initial Healing Phase

• Pain management
• Strict non-weight bearing
• ROM: 0-90 degrees
• Brace for 6 weeks
• CPM machine use

Weeks 6-12

Early Rehabilitation

• Progressive weight bearing
• Physical therapy intensifies
• ROM progresses to full
• Low-impact exercises
• Stationary biking

Months 3-8

Building Strength

• Progressive strengthening
• Balance training
• Low-impact cardio
• Running progression
• Sport-specific prep

Months 8-12

Return to Activity

• Full strength returns
• Sport-specific training
• Gradual return to play
• Clearance for sports
• Full recovery

Important Recovery Notes

New cartilage tissue is initially weak and requires time to mature and strengthen. Returning to activities too early can damage the healing cartilage and compromise results. Dr. Feghhi and our physical therapy team will guide you through each phase and clear you for sports only when the cartilage has sufficiently healed.

Benefits & Risks

Is Cartilage Restoration Right for You?

Benefits of Cartilage Restoration

Joint Preservation
Preserves your natural knee joint and delays or avoids the need for knee replacement surgery
Pain Relief
Significantly reduces knee pain and improves overall function
Return to Active Lifestyle
Successful restoration enables return to sports and recreational activities
Minimally Invasive Approach
Arthroscopic surgery means smaller incisions, less pain, and faster initial recovery
Outpatient Procedure
Go home the same day – no overnight hospital stay required

Risks & Complications

Incomplete Healing (10-20%)
The cartilage may not fully heal or integrate, potentially requiring additional procedures
Stiffness
Post-operative stiffness and loss of motion are common but usually resolve with aggressive therapy
Infection
Rare (<1%) but serious. Prevented with sterile technique and antibiotics
Blood Clots (DVT)
Very rare. Early mobilization and compression devices help prevent
Graft Delamination
Rare risk of the transplanted cartilage separating from underlying bone

Important: Dr. Feghhi will discuss all risks during your consultation. The overall success rate for cartilage restoration is 75-85%, and the benefits typically outweigh the risks for appropriate candidates who commit to the extended rehabilitation protocol.

Why Choose Dr. Feghhi

Expert Cartilage Restoration in New Jersey

Dr. Daniel Feghhi combines advanced training with a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional orthopedic care.

Dr. Daniel Feghhi, MD, FAAOS

Board Certified

Dr. Feghhi is board-certified in orthopedic surgery, ensuring the highest standards of training and expertise in cartilage restoration procedures.

Fellowship Trained

Completed advanced fellowship training at the Florida Orthopedic Institute, specializing in minimally invasive knee and cartilage surgery.

Personal Experience

As a former patient himself, Dr. Feghhi understands the recovery process from a personal perspective, providing empathy and support.

Advanced Techniques

Uses the latest arthroscopic technology and cartilage restoration techniques including MACI, OATs, and microfracture for optimal outcomes.

Ready to Restore Your Knee Cartilage?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi to discuss your cartilage restoration options. We'll create a personalized treatment plan to help you return to the activities you love.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Cartilage Restoration

Our Locations

Schedule Your Cartilage Restoration Consultation

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Wayne

401 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 308
Wayne, NJ 07470

(973) 988-2200

East Brunswick

180 Tices Lane, Suite 107
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

(732) 555-0123

Dover

50 Nelson Street, Suite 1
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 555-0456

Hackensack

126 State Street, Suite 1
Hackensack, NJ 07601

(201) 555-0789

Elizabeth

288 North Broad St, Suite 3
Elizabeth, NJ 07208

(908) 555-0321

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Book your cartilage restoration consultation today.

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Knee Cartilage Restoration Surgery in New Jersey