Learn about Cartilage Repair Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cartilage Repair and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cartilage Repair

Pediatric cartilage repair is a specialized orthopedic procedure designed to treat damaged or defective cartilage in children and adolescents. Cartilage, the smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions joints, can be injured through trauma, sports activities, or congenital conditions like osteochondritis dissecans. Unlike in adults, children's cartilage has greater regenerative potential, making early intervention crucial for optimal long-term joint health and preventing early-onset arthritis. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons employ advanced, minimally invasive techniques such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral autograft/allograft transplantation (OATS/MACI). The goal is to restore the joint surface, alleviate pain, improve function, and allow the child to return to normal activities and sports with a stable, healthy joint for the future.

Key Highlights

    Preserves growing joints and prevents early-onset arthritis.Utilizes the child's natural healing and regenerative potential.Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques often reduce scarring and recovery time.Restores pain-free motion and function for sports and daily activities.Tailored to the unique anatomy and growth plates of pediatric patients.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): A condition where a fragment of bone and cartilage loosens from the joint surface.
  • Traumatic cartilage injuries from sports, falls, or accidents.
  • Symptomatic chondral or osteochondral defects causing pain, swelling, or locking of the joint.
  • Congenital or developmental cartilage abnormalities.
  • Failed conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy) for persistent joint symptoms.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam, X-rays, and often an MRI to assess the defect size and location.
  • Discussion of the child's medical history, activity levels, and surgical goals with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
  • Pre-operative tests (blood work) as required by the hospital or surgical center.
  • Instructions on fasting (no food or drink) for a specified period before surgery.
  • Arranging for post-operative support at home, including crutches or a brace if needed.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection at the surgical site or within the joint.
  • Bleeding, bruising, or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the joint.
  • Graft failure, incomplete healing, or persistent pain.
  • Damage to surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or growth plates (physeal injury).
  • Need for additional surgery in the future.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial period of rest, elevation, and ice application to control swelling and pain.
  • Use of crutches and a brace or immobilizer for several weeks to protect the healing joint.
  • Structured physical therapy is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and proper movement patterns.
  • Gradual return to weight-bearing and low-impact activities as guided by the surgeon and therapist.
  • Full return to sports and high-impact activities may take 6 to 12 months, depending on the procedure and healing.
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress via imaging and clinical exams.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full return to sports

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cartilage repair in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cartilage repair compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 450 Thousand 1-3 days ~ 6-12 months for full return to sports Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 1.58 Million 1-3 days ~ 6-12 months for full return to sports Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Arjun Williams is a 14-year-old soccer...

Arjun Williams is a 14-year-old soccer player from a small town, known for his dedication and team spirit. During a championship game, he twisted his knee badly while pivoting, feeling a sharp pop. Despite initial rest, his knee remained painful, swollen, and would 'catch' or give way during simple activities, forcing him to sit out the season. An MRI revealed a significant chondral defect on his femoral condyle. His pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended an Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) procedure. He explained it would use Arjun's own cartilage cells to repair the damage and give him the best chance to return to sports. The two-stage procedure was daunting, involving an initial arthroscopy to harvest cells and, weeks later, the implantation surgery. Recovery was a long, disciplined process of non-weight bearing and intensive physical therapy. A year later, Arjun has regained full strength and stability. He's back to light training, with hopes of rejoining his team next season. Emotionally, he went from the devastation of losing his athletic identity to finding resilience. The slow recovery taught him patience, and the successful outcome has filled him with a profound sense of gratitude and a more mature perspective on his passion for soccer.

Pediatric Orthopedics for Cartilage Repair

Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform cartilage repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated