Treatment of a cartilage flake
The treatment of a cartilage flake is usually carried out surgically, usually in the form of a mirror image of the joint (arthroscopy). In the case of large cartilage flakes, an attempt is made to fix them back in their original place, while smaller ones are removed directly. It is very important to refix the torn off cartilage fragment as quickly as possible, since the free movement of the fragment in the joint could cause it to be mechanically crushed and thus no longer fit in its original place in the joint surface.
There are various approaches for refixation, depending on the type and size of the cartilage flake. Various cartilage dowels, bone screws or tissue adhesives, for example fibrin, are used. In addition, an attempt can be made to fix the fragments with a so-called tapping technique.
In doing so, small holes in the bone can be used to form a replacement cartilage, which closes the defect in the cartilage. In addition, cartilage bone transplants from other joint cartilages can be carried out. In combination with surgical treatment, conservative therapy can also be performed.
The affected joint should be spared until the symptoms are relieved. If the symptoms are severe, it may be advisable to take anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. For a better healing process, physiotherapy is also recommended to counteract movement restrictions.
Healing time
The healing time of a cartilage flake depends on the degree of its development and the therapy applied. In the case of minor defects that can be removed directly by arthroscopy, healing and improvement of the symptoms can be expected after just one intervention. In the case of larger defects, where reinsertion is necessary, the cartilage needs some time to fix the reinserted fragment in its structure in a stable manner. Careful follow-up treatment and further immobilization of the joint for 1-2 weeks are important until the cartilage has completely healed. In the case of cartilage transplantation, it takes several months for the replacement cartilage to form.
