text: Extensive wear or tear on the joints can lead to thin or damaged cartilage. Injuries, repetitive use and other activities can lead to joint damage and a higher risk of osteoarthritis. To protect the joint from further damage and extend the function of the natural joint, there are joint preservation surgeries and treatments that can be performed. Our orthopedic surgeons at DOCS Health offer OATS (osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery) at our medical center in Los Angeles.
  Cartilage protects the bones attached in joints from damage when they slide against each other. When small lesions or thin patches in the cartilage occur, it can result in pain, stiffness and swelling in the joint. Damaged cartilage can result in early osteoarthritis that can further damage the joints. Joint preservation by replacing lost cartilage with OATS can be an option for younger patients with cartilage damage. The best candidates are usually patients under the age of 50.
  To perform OATS, cartilage must be harvested from other joints in the body. In some cases, bone grafts may also be needed to repair damaged bone. Before the bone or cartilage grafts are completed, the damaged cartilage is removed from the joint. The bone and cartilage grafts add healthy tissue to the joint that can adhere to the existing bone and cartilage. Other joint preservation treatments may be used in conjunction to ensure proper healing of the new cartilage, including PRP or stem cell treatments.