Osteochondral Autologous Transfer System

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Osteochondral Autologous Transfer System (OATS) is a surgical procedure where a plug of bone and cartilage is cored from a relatively unimportant area of knee cartilage and used to replace damage to an important area.

Close-up illustration of the plug of bone and cartilage.
The plug is a core of cartilage and bone.
Illustration of the front of the knee after an OATS procedure.
The plug is 'press fit' into the prepared defect, without any fibrin glue.

One-stage OATS procedure

In an Osteochondral Autologous Transfer System the plug of tissue (osteochondral graft) is taken from the patient rather than from a donor.

It is a 'one-stage' procedure, where the harvesting and the grafting are performed at the same surgery.

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"The OATS procedure has traditionally been considered an open procedure. However, with the advancement of arthroscopic techniques, the procedure can now be completed arthroscopically."

Ryan Rowland et al

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