Cartilage Cell Transplantation

Osteochondral 'autolog' Transfersystem (OATS):
This operational technique is used for relatively small cartilage defects (fresh, traumatic or due to mortification). Cartilage bone cylinders are taken from the unaffected zones of the knee joint and are transplanted into the faulty zone via 'pressfit-technique', this means no additional fixation material is needed.

This procedure is either done arthroscopic or openly, dependant on the localisation and size of the defect.

Advantage: The cartilage defect is replaced by its cartilage, produced naturally by the body.

Disadvantage: Only relatively small defects can be treated.