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Mosaicplasty for Cartilage Repair

Osteochondral autograft transfer technique for focal articular cartilage defects.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Mosaicplasty for Cartilage Repair?

Mosaicplasty is a surgical technique in which small osteochondral cylinders are harvested from a non-weight-bearing area of the joint and transplanted into a focal cartilage defect to restore congruent articular surface.

It is most commonly performed in the knee for symptomatic full-thickness cartilage lesions of the femoral condyles or trochlea, and can also be applied in the talus and other joints.

Compared with microfracture, it provides hyaline cartilage repair with predictable outcomes for small to medium-sized defects in young, active patients.

Symptoms

Localized joint pain on weight bearing
Mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking
Joint effusion
Pain after sports or repetitive activity
Reduced ability to run or climb stairs
Stiffness after rest
Crepitus during motion

Risk Factors

Previous knee or ankle injury
Osteochondritis dissecans
Athletic activity with high joint load
Mild malalignment that increases focal contact stress
Young age with active lifestyle
Previous failed microfracture
Focal articular cartilage lesion on MRI

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent pain in a single compartment of the knee
  • Recurrent joint locking or giving way
  • Visible osteochondral defect on imaging
  • Failure of conservative therapy
  • Sports-related cartilage injury
  • Athlete who wishes to return to sport
  • Significant functional limitation

Treatment Methods

01
Magnetic resonance imaging to size and locate the defect
02
Address concurrent malalignment with osteotomy when needed
03
Arthroscopic or open mosaicplasty using multiple osteochondral plugs
04
Postoperative non-weight bearing and continuous passive motion
05
Progressive rehabilitation under supervised physical therapy
06
Return to sport after structured criteria-based program
07
Long-term follow-up imaging when symptoms recur

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.