What Is Osteochondral Defect?

An osteochrondral defect refers to a localized area of damage involving both the cartilage and the adjacent underlying bones. While this condition can occur at any joint, it is most common in the ankle or knee. It may be related to genetic causes, a bone condition or disorder, or stem from a sprain or injury. It can also arise post-surgery (i.e. after an ACL repair).

Symptoms of Osteochondral Defect

If pain is inhibiting you from completing your everyday activities, including walking and even standing, you may be affected by an osteochondral defect. You may experience prolonged joint pain as well as swelling where the affected joint is. You may also experience joint instability as buckling may occur at the joint site when weight is placed on it. The joint may also lock which prevents bending if there is a loose piece of bone or cartilage within the joint.

How is it Diagnosed?

To determine the level of instability, damage and stage of the ostechondral defect, CT scans and MRI scans are most commonly used in addition to a thorough physical exam. A bone scan may also be ordered as well.

PRP Treatment of Osteochondral Defect

Osteochondral defects are usually treated with surgery and its results are mixed and questionable. For those seeking alternatives, we utilize platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in our office to treat osteochondral defects non-surgically.

What is PRP?

PRP treatment are injections formulated with the patient’s own blood and other growth factors to promote healing of musculoskeletal issues. It consists of a high concentration of platelets, due to their function of clotting, which plays an imperative role in healing and regeneration. Since the patient’s own blood is used, the procedure carries a low risk.

PRP injections are administered directly to the source of injury or damaged tissue. Articular cartilage has no blood supply so it cannot repair itself easily. By using PRP, one can stimulate and accelerate their body’s natural healing process by delivering an abundant supply of healing agents straight to the source for repair.

This outpatient procedure can generally be done in an hour so you can be treated and on your way within the same amount of time as your lunch break. Your Doctor may recommend receiving a few treatments spanned over a few weeks or months for maximum results.

Why us?

We have a very high-quality, double-spin system to separate the platelets from the other components of blood for a very high yield of platelets. This high concentration of platelets enables the healing processes to take place and is crucial for the success of this treatment.

PRP is an effective treatment option for those who do not want to undergo surgery. It is safe, effective and can be done in minimal time and with little to no recovery time. You will be able to go back to your day-to-day activities and be active with just a few one-hour sessions.

To learn more about this cutting-edge treatment, please give us a call at 212-867-1111 for more information.

Case Success

“We had a patient in his mid-50’s whose initials are M.K. He had pain in his ankle for eight years and it happened without any accident or trauma. M.K. had some X-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs done, and found that it was an osteochondroma defect. Some years ago, he had surgery, however, it wasn’t helpful. He had done a lot of physical therapy and exercises on his own, but every step still gave him sharp pain. He eventually became deconditioned as he moved less and less due to the pain and his muscles wasted quite a bit. He wasn’t able to exercise and he couldn’t walk that easily.

He eventually came to our office and I treated him with some prolotherapy. We did about three injections of prolotherapy, each one month apart, which helped to some degree. We also did an injection of PRP, platelet rich plasma, directly into the ankle joint for the osteochondroma defect, which pretty much resolved his pain. This made him very happy as he was having a bar mitzvah for his son and had been very worried that he wouldn’t be able to get up and greet people or dance with them. I gave him the injection about three months before his party and he was able to get up, dance, and have a great time. Since then, he’s been able to walk without the sharp pain anymore. So, that’s a good story.”