1. Autogenous Cartilage Implantation (ACI) - Where cells are extracted during an arthroscopic procedure and sent to a lab where cartilage is grown. Then, during a more invasive procedure, the cells are injected under a periosteal flap.
2. Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) - Plugs of healthy cartilage and bone are taken from a healthy area and moved to replace the damaged cartilage area of the knee. It is my understanding that these plugs can also be taken from a cadaver.
Dr. O'Daniel seems to truly understand my frustrations which, in my little experience, is very rare in a doctor. He understands although I am not in constant chronic pain (thank goodness), I am only 23 and these are not issues that are going to heal themselves--cartilage does not grow back. He understands that eventually my husband and I are going to want to start a family and how I am supposed to keep up with a child if I can hardly climb out the car without very audible and painful knee cracking?
Anyway, he told me he would do research on specialists in the area and get back to me with a referral.
Also, I was supposed to start physical therapy right after my 1st follow-up appointment (June 9th) but I am still trying to get everything set up... it's a long story so I will not bore you with it.
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