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OATS- Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation

OATS Procedure – Restoring Cartilage and Bone in the Knee 

The Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) procedure is a specialized technique used to treat well-defined cartilage and bone lesions in the knee, most commonly in young, active patients. These lesions often occur due to Osteochondritis Dissecans or trauma, where a fragment of cartilage and underlying bone becomes damaged or loses its blood supply. 

 

When Is OATS Recommended? 

  • The lesion is well-circumscribed and surrounded by healthy cartilage and bone. 
  • The damaged fragment is not viable (cannot heal back) because: 
  • It has lost its blood supply. 
  • The amount of bone attached to the cartilage is insufficient for healing. 

 

How Does the Procedure Work? 

  1. Harvesting a Healthy Graft 
    A fresh, live cartilage-and-bone plug is taken from a non-weight-bearing area of the knee, typically the lateral edge of the trochlea. 
  2. Preparing the Defect 
    The damaged area on the femoral condyle is carefully prepared by creating a precisely sized tunnel to match the graft. 
  3. Transplanting the Graft 
    The harvested plug is inserted into the prepared site, restoring the joint surface with healthy cartilage and bone. 

This technique allows the joint to regain a smooth, functional surface, reducing pain and improving long-term outcomes. 

 

Benefits of OATS 

  • Biological repair using your own tissue. 
  • Restores joint congruency, reducing the risk of further degeneration. 
  • Ideal for young, active patients where joint replacement is not appropriate. 

 

Important Considerations 

  • OATS is not suitable for widespread arthritis—it is reserved for localized lesions. 
  • Rehabilitation is essential for success, with gradual return to weight-bearing and activity. 
  • Early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes. 

 

Bottom line: If you are young, active, and have a well-defined cartilage defect in your knee, the OATS procedure may be the best option to restore joint health and avoid early arthritis. A/Prof Hazratwala performs this procedure with precision and predictable results.