Knee · Cartilage
Osteochondral allograft — femoral condyle
Cartilage and Bone Defect of the Femoral Condyle (End of the Thigh Bone)
The condition
Articular cartilage is the smooth tissue covering the end of the thigh bone (femoral condyle). Some defects involve both the cartilage and the bone beneath it—from injury, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), or bone loss. These larger defects heal poorly and cause pain, swelling, and catching.
The surgery
An osteochondral allograft replaces the defect with a matching plug of donor cartilage and bone. Through a small open incision (typically outpatient), the damaged area is removed and the screened donor plug is press-fit into place, usually without screws. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Crutches, adding weight in steps: touch-down for 2 weeks, then half, then three-quarters, reaching full at 6 weeks (8 for larger grafts). Normal walking by ~8 weeks.
- Motion
- No limits—frequent bending from day 1; stationary bike from 2 weeks. The brace is locked straight for walking until leg control returns.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 2 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Only after clearance and x-rays showing the graft has healed, typically at ~6 months.
- Sports
- Cutting, pivoting, and contact sports typically 9–12 months, after strength and hop testing.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have less pain and better function, with living cartilage that can last for years. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the graft not healing or collapsing, a very small risk of disease transmission from donor tissue, ongoing swelling, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery