Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation or ACI provides pain relief while at the same time slowing down placement the progression or considerably delaying partial or total knee replacement surgery. The goal of ACI is to allow people suffering from  articular cartilage damage to return to their old lifestyle.

Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints.  It serves as a shock absorber and provides a smooth surface for the contact and movement of the bones of the knee joint. Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear. Because cartilage does not heal itself well, doctors have developed surgical techniques to stimulate the growth of new cartilage.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation is used to repair defects to the articular cartilage. Restoring articular cartilage can relieve pain and allow better function. Most importantly, it can delay or prevent the onset of arthritis.

A meniscus tear is a common injury affecting the knee joint.  The type of tear will depend on the type of meniscus repair. A torn meniscus is diagnosed with a thorough history and physical exam.  Dr. Elkhechen will likely suggest the treatment that he thinks is best based on the location of the tear, pattern of the tear and how big the tear actually is.

Successful repair of meniscus tears depends to a large degree on where the tear is located.  Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an outpatient surgical procedure to repair the torn knee cartilage. The torn meniscus is repaired by a variety of minimally invasive techniques and requires postoperative protection to allow healing.  Surgical repair may result in less pain and a return to normal knee function.  Also, you may be able to prevent long-term complications such as osteoarthritis with successful surgical repair of your tear.

Physical therapy will normally be ordered following surgery to aid in regaining full function of the knee, which occurs on average 4-5 months after surgery.

Each knee has two menisci, which act as a cushion between the thighbone and the shinbone.  A meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury that can happen to anyone- something as simple as kneeling or standing can cause a meniscal tear.

Orthopedic Surgeons who perform meniscectomies will make the appropriate surgical decisions based on the meniscus’s ability to heal as well as your age, health, and activity level.  The surgeon will often make the final decision during surgery, when he or she can see how badly the meniscus is torn and the exact location of the tear.

Partial meniscectomy is done arthroscopically.  This allows the surgeon to repair the damaged cartilage, and also see how severe the tear is. Doctors will insert a microscopic camera into the incision, along with surgical tools. This non- invasive procedure will help repair damage and should also keep the knee from being further damaged by surgery. After the surgery,  Dr. Elkhechen will normally require patients to participate in physical therapy to help strengthen and promote blood flow and healing to the repaired area.

Because of how non-invasive this operation is patients have a greater chance of preventing future tearing.   The path to recovery and returning daily activities is greatly increased.

By following all instructions given by Dr. Elkhechen and physical therapist, patients can keep their knee on the path to full recovery.

Tibial tubercle osteotomy is a surgical procedure which is performed along with other procedures to treat patellar instability or, patellofemoral pain, and osteoarthritis. Surgical treatment is indicated when physical therapy and other nonsurgical methods have failed and there is history of multiple knee dislocations.

During your surgery your surgeon will make a cut across the upper portion of your tibia (shin bone). The cut that is made will be just behind what is known as the tibial tubercle. Tibial tubercle transfer technique involves realignment of the tibial tubercle.  This is the area of your tibia where your patellar tendon attaches. Making this boney cut allows your surgeon to relocate your tibial tubercle to a more centralized location, thus correcting any maltracking. Once your tubercle has been repositioned it will be fixed back to your upper tibia using two screws. These screws act like a cast to hold the bone in place while it heals. These screws do not need to be removed.