Meniscus Tear & Cartilage Defects
Meniscus tears and cartilage defects are problems affecting the shock-absorbing, protective layers of tissue in your joints. If you have a meniscus tear in your knee or damage to the articular cartilage covering the ends of your bones, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Steven Pancio, II, MD can help. At his self-named practice in Olean, NY, Dr. Pancio uses advanced arthroscopic techniques to repair cartilage with tissue grafts. Call his office today for more information, or use the online form to book an appointment.
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What are meniscus tears and cartilage defects?
Articular cartilage is a tissue that coats the ends of your bones where they meet to form joints. A meniscus is a type of cartilage that sits between the bones and acts as a shock absorber.
A meniscus tear occurs when you overstretch the joint, causing the cartilage that forms the meniscus to rupture. Cartilage defects are injuries to your articular cartilage or damage from diseases like arthritis.
What issues would a meniscus tear or cartilage defects cause?
The problem with cartilage is that it doesn’t have a blood supply. If you have a meniscus tear or cartilage defect, blood-containing cells that repair and regenerate tissues can’t reach the cartilage. As a result, meniscus tears and cartilage defects can’t heal themselves.
Meniscus tears and similar problems like labral tears in the shoulder or hip can result in chronic pain and loss of function. Degeneration of the articular cartilage causes osteoarthritis, an incurable condition that can develop when you get older.
Dr. Pancio has specialist training in treating meniscus tears and cartilage defects. He uses advanced techniques to return you to the level of function you had before your injury and can help prevent joint degeneration.
What types of meniscus tear and cartilage defect surgeries are available?
Dr. Pancio can choose from a range of techniques to treat meniscus tears and cartilage defects, including:
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) – Dr. Pancio typically uses ACI for active younger patients who have cartilage defects. On your first visit, you undergo a short procedure to extract a sample of cartilage cells. The cells multiply in a lab, where they seed a collagen membrane with millions of cartilage cells.
When the cells are ready, Dr. Pancio implants the collagen membrane into the joint, using glue or sometimes stitches to hold it in place. Over the next 18 months, the implanted cells mature to form healthy cartilage.
Osteochondral Autograft Transfer – In this procedure, Dr. Pancio takes a graft of cartilage from an area of the joint that isn’t weight-bearing. He transplants the graft onto the damaged area, where it melds with the existing cartilage.
Active patients who have extensive cartilage damage might require an osteochondral allograft transplantation instead. Allograft means the tissue comes from a donor, whereas an autograft uses your own tissues.
Microfracture – This technique involves making minute fractures in the ends of your bones. These microfractures enable cells from your bone marrow to reach the surface of your bones. There the cells can multiply to form new cartilage.
In many cases, Dr. Pancio can perform these procedures using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques that cause less tissue damage and get you back on your feet more quickly.
Find out whether surgery can help with your meniscus tear or cartilage defect by calling Steven Pancio, II, MD today or book an appointment online.
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I was hit by car, had a compound fracture with a bone sticking out of my left foot. Broken tibia and fibia?. Screwed plate and bones back together. I am healing fine, next visit 3/26 to remove stiches. I seem to have total function of foot. Still have 2 more weeks of not using leg, but very hopeful.
Very considerate and professional. Did not at any time feel rushed. Offered advice without surgery. Prior surgery by him was extremely successful. Excellent Doctor.
Very professional happy with visit explained issue and treatment process and took time to answer my questions and concerns.
Very smooth experience. Dr. Pancio was very focused, patient, and communicative through every step.
He actually took the time to listen and respond appropriately. He was upfront and honest. Much appreciated.
Very helpful.
No problems. Staff was efficient and courteous. Dr. was professional and honest.
Dr. Pancho is high energy and personable. He didn’t rush through follow up appointments and made sure we understood any procedures and answered all of my questions. I especially liked how he kept my wife informed of my progress during surgery and by phone speaker during appointments. His written material he gave me was personalized for my specific injury and was easy to follow.
My son was seen for a broken arm. Everyone was very kind and patient with him, as this was a new experience for us. I am very pleased with the service we received and for a healed arm.
Dr. Pancio studied my daughters MRI before he came in and talked to us. He examined her knee and told us that her exam confirmed what he had found on the MRI which was missed by the radiologist. He prescribed the appropriate physical therapy and my daughter is on her way to making a full recovery without surgery! If she would have needed surgery, we have full confidence that Dr. Pancio would be great! He is very observant and knowledgeable. He explained everything that is going on with her knee also why and when it would hurt in different situations.
By far the best Orthopedic doctor in the area.
Doc is awesome makes you feel comfortable and cares about your well being.
Phenomenal surgeon – Dr. Pancio made my shoulder normal again!!
Great doctor and surgeon. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Winchester area for their orthopedic care.