Osteoarticular Transfer System (OATS)
The Osteoarticular Transfer System, commonly known as OATS replaces damaged cartilage in the knee with healthy cartilage from another area of the joint, relieving pain and restoring movement and function to the joint. A mosaicplasty is the name for a general procedure that treats severe cartilage damage, and the OATS procedure is one type of mosaicplasty.
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Although cartilage is essential to smooth, painless movement of the joints, some areas have a more critical need for the support and cushioning provided by the cartilage. During the OATS procedure, small plugs of healthy cartilage are removed from areas of the joint that are not in critical need, and transferred to the area of damaged cartilage.
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The OATS procedure is ideal for patients with small areas of cartilage damage that can be easily repaired with a graft. Widespread cartilage damage cannot usually be treated with this procedure, since there may be insufficient amounts of healthy cartilage available.
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After the OATS procedure, patients will need to undergo a lengthy physical therapy program in order to restore range of motion and relieve pain and swelling on the joint. Most patients will be on crutches for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery before they can successfully bear weight on the joint again. Long-term follow-up care will be required in order to maintain the results of this procedure.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation, commonly known as ACI, is a surgical procedure that treats cartilage damage caused by injury or degeneration. This procedure is most often performed to treat the knee, although it can be used on other joints as well. It is used after non-surgical treatments have failed and cartilage damage is severe.
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During the ACI procedure, Dr. Sumida will use arthroscopy to identify the area of cartilage damage and remove a small sample of healthy cartilage cells. These cells are sent to a lab, where they are duplicated over the next four to six weeks. Once enough cells have been grown, a second procedure is schedule, during which the new cartilage is implanted into the joint with the aid of a periosteal patch.
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After this procedure, patients will need to undergo a physical therapy program in order to restore full function to the treated area. The ACI procedure is ideal for patients with only small areas of cartilage damage, who have significant pain and swelling, and who are not obese. This procedure is considered safe for most patients, although there is a risk of scar tissue formation, infection and knee stiffness developing after surgery.