When a patient has a severe cartilage defects, cartilage restoration techniques may help. You may qualify for a less-invasive technique such as an open surgical procedure without surgical dislocation, or an arthroscopic procedure. When the cartilage defect is severe or deep within the joint, however, surgical dislocation may be necessary.
The most common hip problem that would require surgical dislocation is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. In this case, Osteochondral Allograft Transplant System (OATS) may be used. The OATS technique utilizes an allograft plug from a cadaver to fill the cartilage defect.
