Cartilage Cell Transplantation

Osteochondral 'autologous' transfer system (OATS):
This operational technique is used for relatively small cartilage defects (fresh, traumatic or due to necrosis). Cartilage bone cylinders are taken from the unaffected zones of the knee joint and are transplanted into the faulty zone via a 'press-fit technique', which means no additional fixation material is needed.

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

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

Disadvantage: Only relatively small defects can be treated.