Along with arthroscopic surgery of your joint, additional procedures may be required to correct the pain-generating orthopaedic condition for which you are being treated.
Up to forty percent (40%) of MRI tests significantly under-diagnosed the size and depth of articular (“hard”) cartilage damage. Therefore, while meniscus (“soft”) cartilage and ligament injuries are very accurately predicted by physical exam and MRI, more damage to the interior of the joint may be discovered at surgery than anticipated. This can happen with any MRI, no matter the size/type of machine or radiologist who reads it.
To prepare for this possibility and to allow for surgical planning and the best surgical result, please review & agree to:
- Cartilage Microfracture
- Biocartilage “Enhanced” Microfracture
- Osteochondral Graft Implantation (OATS)
- Carticel Cartilage Biopsy/Re-implantation
Read about these procedures & view a demonstration video at AustinOrthoBio.com
The selected surgical modifications will only be performed when, as an experienced cartilage surgeon, I feel it is absolutely necessary to achieve the best functional result, thus improving your chances of surgical success or possibly avoiding additional surgery.
More extensive articular cartilage treatment protocols are needed after surgery; namely, more time on crutches and the use of a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine. Physical therapy, while delayed to allow the longer healing period, will be similar.
Every effort will be made to obtain insurance reimbursement for these additional procedures, but as some require pre-authorization (not possible if not pre-diagnosed) and/or not covered, we will ask you to review and approve the ABN (advanced beneficiary notice) prior to surgery.
Disclaimer: Austin Ortho+Biologics is not affiliated with the data, content, or conclusions of this article.
