Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with knee cartilage damage at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. If you have had an MRI, bring the images on a disc or a link as well as the report, because the size of the damaged patch guides the choice of repair. If you had an earlier knee arthroscopy, bring its operation note and any photos.
What is knee cartilage repair surgery?
The ends of the bones in the knee are covered by smooth, slippery cartilage that lets them glide. An injury, such as a twist or a fall, can damage a patch of it. Cartilage heals poorly on its own, so a rough patch can cause pain, swelling and catching, and over time may lead to arthritis. Surgery can help a single, defined patch. Chondroplasty smooths and trims loose, frayed edges. Microfracture makes small holes in the bone under the patch so that new repair tissue grows, though it is less hard-wearing than the original. OATS moves small plugs of healthy cartilage and bone from a less loaded part of the knee into the damaged area. They suit younger, active people with one damaged area.
Who it can help
- Knee pain and swelling after an injury, often worse with activity.
- A knee that catches, clicks painfully or locks.
- A single damaged patch of cartilage seen on MRI or during an earlier arthroscopy.
- Cartilage damage found along with a meniscus or ligament tear.
- Symptoms that have not settled with physiotherapy and activity changes.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Dr. Subhash lists chondroplasty, microfracture and OATS among the keyhole knee operations he does, and his CV lists chondroplasty and OATS under knee arthroscopy. He looks at the size and place of the damaged patch, your age and activity, and the state of the rest of the knee. He explains which method suits that patch, and when exercise is worth trying first. If a meniscus or ligament is also torn, he plans for both.
What to expect
Consultation
He asks how the knee was injured and what it stops you doing, then examines it.
Scans
X-rays do not show cartilage, so an MRI is usually needed to see the damaged patch and the bone beneath it.
Deciding together
He explains which repair fits the size and place of the damage, the risks and the recovery, and whether physiotherapy alone is reasonable.
The operation
Most repairs are done by keyhole surgery through two or three small cuts. A larger repair may need an open cut.
Protecting the repair
Crutches are often needed for some weeks so the new tissue is not loaded too early.
Rehabilitation and review
Physiotherapy restores movement, then strength. He reviews the knee at planned visits.
Recovery, in general terms
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- Crutches for the first few weeks, sometimes longer, depending on the method and where the damage is.
- Gentle movement exercises start early, then strengthening as the repair heals.
- Chondroplasty alone usually has a quicker recovery than microfracture or OATS.
- Return to sport and heavy work commonly takes several months.
Risks to know about
- The repair tissue may not hold up, and symptoms can return.
- Infection, a blood clot, stiffness or swelling, as with any knee surgery.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if your knee keeps swelling, catching or hurting weeks after an injury. Book sooner if the knee locks and will not straighten. Go to emergency care straight away if, after knee surgery, you have a high temperature or feel shivery, or the knee becomes very swollen and red.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DirectionsCall +971 58 599 7460WhatsApp
Questions patients ask
How long before I can return to work in Dubai after cartilage repair?
It depends on the method and your job. Desk work is often possible sooner than work with long standing, climbing or lifting, which needs the repair to heal first. Ask the clinic about a medical report for your employer.
Can damaged knee cartilage grow back?
Not well on its own. Repair methods such as microfracture and OATS encourage new tissue or move healthy cartilage into the damaged patch. They suit a single, defined area better than wear across the whole knee.
Is cartilage repair the same as a meniscus repair?
No. The meniscus is a rubbery cushion between the bones. Cartilage repair treats the smooth layer covering the ends of the bones. People often call both "knee cartilage", and some injuries damage both.
Does cartilage repair help arthritis?
Usually not when the wear is spread across the joint. These operations are for a defined patch of damage, most often after an injury. Arthritis has other treatments.
Book an appointment
His nurse answers the phone and WhatsApp.