due to my insurance having what is called step therapy, I had to have microfracture first, even though my OS said my defects were clearly too large for that. When that didnt work I had the OATS (Osteoarticular Transfer Surgery) where they took good cartilage from the non weight bearing portion of my knee and put it in the defects. With this surgery I was non weight bearing for appx 8 weeks and partial weight bearing another 2. The surgery was an open procedure with a 6" incision but I can tell you that even with that incision I was in less pain then before the surgery. When the defects were filled in it was a great relief.
There were bumps in the road along the way but I feel for me it was the best thing to do. I had constant pain 7 to 9 on a 10 scale all the time. I had catching and locking also it was horrible. I also had the incident where catching or just horrible pain would wake me up.
I think the worst part for me was the non weight bearing for so long and being on crutches but I started telling myself that every day was one day closer to the end.
I would let pain, discomfort, and inability to do even your daily activities be your guide as far as having the surgery. I got so fed up with not being able to walk, ride my bike, or even doing general things like sitting at a movie with my kids that I had enough and had the surgery and I am so happy I did. Yes there are still some days (especially when it is going to rain) that the knee is sore but nothing like it was.
Paulette
