About Osteochondral Fracture
Key Highlights
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Restores smooth joint surface and function.Alleviates pain and locking sensations in the joint.Helps prevent the early onset of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.Can often be performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.Promotes return to pre-injury activity levels, especially important for athletes.Preserves the patient's own natural joint anatomy when possible./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute traumatic injury from sports, falls, or accidents causing a displaced bone-cartilage fragment.
- Persistent joint pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms like locking or catching.
- Failure of conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or bracing.
- An osteochondral lesion (OCD) that is unstable or in a weight-bearing area of the joint.
- To prevent long-term joint degeneration and arthritis in young, active patients.
- Evidence of a loose body within the joint seen on imaging (MRI or CT scan).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam and imaging (X-rays, MRI, or CT scan).
- Discussion of surgical options, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with the orthopedic surgeon.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance, especially for patients with underlying conditions.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
- Arranging for post-surgery assistance at home and planning for time off work/school.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Failure of the fracture fragment to heal (non-union).
- Graft failure, loosening, or resorption in transplantation procedures.
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion in the joint.
- Damage to surrounding nerves or blood vessels.
- Development or progression of osteoarthritis in the joint over time.
- The need for additional surgery in the future.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial period of strict non-weight bearing or protected weight-bearing with crutches (often 4-8 weeks).
- Use of a brace, splint, or cast to immobilize and protect the joint.
- Pain management with prescribed medications and use of ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Early initiation of physical therapy to regain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
- Gradual progression to strengthening exercises and full weight-bearing as guided by the surgeon.
- Regular follow-up appointments and imaging to monitor healing progress.
- A full return to sports or high-impact activities may take 6 months to a year or more.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for basic activities; 6-12+ months for full sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering osteochondral fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for osteochondral fracture in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform osteochondral fracture. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for osteochondral fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 350 Thousand | 1-3 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic activities; 6-12+ months for full sports | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 1.23 Million | 1-3 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic activities; 6-12+ months for full sports | Know More |
Top hospitals for Osteochondral Fracture in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing osteochondral fracture.
Amit Davis, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Amit Davis, a 28-year-old software engineer and weekend basketball enthusiast, suffered a traumatic knee injury during a game. He felt a sudden, sharp pop and immediate pain after landing awkwardly from a jump. Over the next week, his knee became swollen, stiff, and unstable, 'giving way' when he tried to walk. An MRI revealed a displaced osteochondral fracture of his lateral femoral condyle, a piece of cartilage and underlying bone had broken off and was floating in the joint. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chen, recommended an urgent arthroscopic procedure to remove the loose fragment and perform a microfracture to stimulate new cartilage growth. Amit was terrified that his active lifestyle was over. The surgery went smoothly, but the recovery was grueling: six weeks on crutches with no weight-bearing, followed by months of physical therapy. A year later, Amit has regained about 85% of his knee function. He can hike and swim, though he's accepted he may never play competitive basketball again. The journey shifted his identity from athlete to someone who prioritizes long-term joint health, bringing a mix of grief and newfound appreciation for his body's resilience.
Orthopedists for Osteochondral Fracture
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform osteochondral fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore