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MINCED CARTILAGE

Method
Minced cartilage technique
Duration
60 to 90 minutes
Recovery time
3 to 6 months

Cartilage reconstruction with minced cartilage

The minced cartilage technique is an innovative procedure for the biological regeneration of cartilage in focal cartilage defects of the knee. Autologous hyaline cartilage is taken from the joint, broken up mechanically ("minced") and then placed into the defect. The minced cartilage particles act as a source of cells for the formation of new cartilage.

The damaged cartilage in the affected area is removed by arthroscopy. Healthy cartilage is then taken from parts of the joint that carry no load, broken up mechanically in a special instrument and mixed with the patient's own thrombin and fibrin. The device known as the Thrombinator allows the cartilage particles to be applied and fixed in the defect precisely. This creates a biological fibrin-cartilage compound that is held stably in the defect.

The combination of the body's own cartilage cells and a biological matrix creates an ideal micro-environment for the regeneration of hyaline-like replacement cartilage. The method is suited to small and medium-sized cartilage defects, particularly in younger patients. A great advantage is that it is done in a single stage – the procedure requires no cell culture outside the body.

Rehabilitation after minced cartilage

After the minced cartilage technique, targeted, phased aftercare is decisive for the cartilage particles to heal in and for the new tissue to mature biologically.

Phase I (0-6 weeks): unloading and protection
  • Partial weight-bearing with forearm crutches (10-15 kg for 6 weeks)
  • Use of a movement splint (CPM) for passive mobilisation
  • Cooling, lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation
  • Physiotherapy to preserve mobility without loading
Phase II (6-12 weeks): building up load
  • Gradual transition to full weight-bearing (once medically cleared)
  • Active muscle training while avoiding jumping and twisting movements
  • Co-ordination training, sensorimotor training
  • Exercise-bike training without resistance
Phase III (from week 12): functional build-up
  • Building up muscle in stages
  • Sport-specific training from month 5-6
  • Return-to-sport tests before clearance for competitive sport
  • Long-term monitoring of the load on the joint and preventive training