Focal cartilage implant

A focal cartilage implant is an implant of metal, ceramic or plastic that replaces a small area of damaged joint cartilage. 

focal implant of femoral condyle

Small implant on the condyle of the femur.

trochlear implant

Trochlear implant for arthritic damage to the groove of the femur (trochlear groove).

 

How does a focal cartilage implant work?

A focal implant may prevent further damage in a way analogous to a dental filling, providing an alternative to a joint replacement. Patients with such a problem are often relatively young with otherwise healthy joint cartilage.

Synonyms: 
Inlay arthroplasty
Metal resurfacing implants
Focal implant
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CLINICAL PUBLICATIONS

The clinical outcome of the different HemiCAP and UniCAP knee implants: A systematic and comprehensive review. Malahias MA, Chytas D, Thorey F. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2018 Jun 14;10(2):7531.

Cartilage Health in Knees Treated with Metal Resurfacing Implants or Untreated Focal Cartilage Lesions: A Preclinical Study in Sheep.. Martinez-Carranza N, Hultenby K, Lagerstedt AS, Schupbach P, Berg HE. Cartilage. 2017 Jul 1:1947603517720260. doi: 10.1177/1947603517720260. [Epub ahead of print].

See also -

 

eBook - Knee arthritis interventions when you are too young for a total knee replacement

Easy-to-read book about the patient who has arthritis but is not yet of an age for a knee replacement.