Orthopaedic surgeons available to speak about cartilage restoration of the knee in high-level athletes; factors that influence return to play

ROSEMONT, Ill. (October 28, 2021)—Articular cartilage injuries of the knee are being observed with increasing frequency in athletes, causing significant debilitation that threatens the ability to participate in sports. What’s more, these injuries have proven to be difficult to treat given the limited regenerative ability of cartilage and the potential for progressive joint degeneration. A wide range of surgical treatments such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral autograft and allograft, have demonstrated promising results in these high-demand individuals, permitting healing of cartilage defects while decreasing pain and restoring function. However, with little comparative information available, uncertainty remains about the superiority of any one technique. 

Nima Mehran, MD, FAAOS, orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, Kaiser Permanente (Los Angeles), is available to speak about the range of cartilage repair techniques and athletes’ ability to return to play after cartilage restoration of the knee. With perspective on the pros and cons of the various surgical options, Dr. Mehran can also offer understanding of variables that can aid in patient counseling and predicting outcomes. 

His research published in the November 1 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) provides a detailed review of outcomes and return to sport data after cartilage procedures in the high-level athletes. It notes that although there is still debate regarding the optimal use of various techniques, there is consensus that all can provide favorable results in clinical outcome scores.  

To read Dr. Mehran’s full review article “Functional Outcomes and Return to Sport After Cartilage Restoration of the Knee in High-level Athletes,” click here. To schedule an interview with Dr. Mehran to learn more about articular cartilage injuries of the knee, email [email protected]. 

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