OATS Procedure

Good candidates for the OATS procedure are typically younger, active individuals with localized cartilage damage, often due to an injury or overuse. It is most effective when the surrounding cartilage and the rest of the knee joint are healthy.

Patients with advanced arthritis or extensive damage throughout the knee joint may not benefit from this procedure. Also, those with certain metabolic diseases or active infections are typically not candidates.

The OATS procedure is performed through minimally invasive incisions whenever possible, though larger grafts or multiple grafts may require a larger open procedure. First, a cylindrical plug of healthy cartilage and bone (osteochondral graft) will be harvested from a non-weight-bearing part of your knee (for autografts) or use a similar piece from a donor (for allografts). The damaged cartilage in the knee is removed, and a hole is created to match the size of the graft. The harvested graft is then placed into this hole and secured. The goal is to have the new cartilage flush with the surrounding original cartilage.

Recovery time after an OATS procedure varies depending on the size and location of the graft and the specific demands of the patient’s occupation or sports. Generally, individuals can expect to return to sedentary work or light activities within a few weeks post-surgery.

Returning to sports or physically demanding work generally takes several months and depends on the success of the rehabilitation program. Full recovery often takes 6-12 months.

After surgery, you’ll spend some time in the recovery room under medical supervision as the anesthesia wears off and you are able to go home. You’ll need crutches to avoid putting weight on your knee and will be in a knee brace. You may feel pain and swelling in your knee, which can be managed with medication.

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process after an OATS procedure. The primary goals are to restore range of motion, strength, and stability in the knee. Therapy typically begins with gentle motion exercises and gradually progresses to more strenuous exercises as the knee heals.

If left untreated, the damaged area of cartilage may continue to degrade. This can lead to increasing pain, instability, and loss of function in the knee. Over time, this could potentially lead to more widespread cartilage loss and the development of osteoarthritis.