:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/2aQwmM1AYBNyJU4BaVz8KBQ2Vit6dIYs.jpg)
OATS or OCA for knee cartilage repairOATS transplants the patient's own cartilage-and-bone plugs for knee defects up to roughly 2 cm² whilst OCA uses shaped donor tissue for larger repairs, but prior failed surgery or subchondral bone loss shifts the choice to OCA regardless of size.OATS transplants the patient's own cartilage-and-bone plugs for knee defects up to roughly 2 cm² whilst OCA uses shaped donor tissue for larger repairs, but prior failed surgery or subchondral bone loss shifts the choice to OCA regardless of size.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/csMqCAA4srLFfpRYlnsjtkaBea4CTpv5.jpg)
Which specialist treats supraspinatus tendinopathySupraspinatus tendinopathy is not a single diagnosis; the term covers three distinct conditions—tendinitis, tendinosis, and partial tears—each requiring different treatment, managed sequentially by physiotherapists and then specialists depending on rehabilitation progress.Supraspinatus tendinopathy is not a single diagnosis; the term covers three distinct conditions—tendinitis, tendinosis, and partial tears—each requiring different treatment, managed sequentially by physiotherapists and then specialists depending on rehabilitation progress.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/tEThf67SD8gme2KMHBwFLJaRfHOaYK7I.jpg)
Who to see first for back pain and sciaticaUp to 90% of sciatica cases resolve without surgery within weeks to months, and the evidence points to starting with physiotherapy, not a pain consultant or surgeon.Up to 90% of sciatica cases resolve without surgery within weeks to months, and the evidence points to starting with physiotherapy, not a pain consultant or surgeon.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/bwZtSBcMngYTVd0Ea9Zvwh22yrzaDzib.jpg)
ACI versus MACI for knee cartilage repairCartilage defect size on MRI drives the choice between single-stage repair (AMIC, OATS) and two-stage cell therapy (MACI): below 2–4 cm², simpler alternatives often provide comparable results; at 3 cm² or larger, MACI demonstrates superiority.Cartilage defect size on MRI drives the choice between single-stage repair (AMIC, OATS) and two-stage cell therapy (MACI): below 2–4 cm², simpler alternatives often provide comparable results; at 3 cm² or larger, MACI demonstrates superiority.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/o4Unkdhfd70nkKq7mxPVy7ZOCcjGpLrE.jpg)
What 'medically cleared' means after ACL reconstructionClearance after ACL reconstruction requires simultaneous passage of three criteria: strength and hop-test symmetry of 90–95% compared to the uninjured leg, plus a psychological readiness score of 80 or above. The nine-month post-operative minimum exists because earlier return raises reinjury risk sevenfold.Clearance after ACL reconstruction requires simultaneous passage of three criteria: strength and hop-test symmetry of 90–95% compared to the uninjured leg, plus a psychological readiness score of 80 or above. The nine-month post-operative minimum exists because earlier return raises reinjury risk sevenfold.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/6s2gSj3QGoNqoCz0Bktvuqm36jmlhscc.jpg)
When supraspinatus tendinopathy needs imagingSupraspinatus tendinopathy is typically diagnosed without imaging; scans are warranted only when symptoms persist after six weeks of conservative treatment, a full-thickness tear is suspected, or surgery is planned.Supraspinatus tendinopathy is typically diagnosed without imaging; scans are warranted only when symptoms persist after six weeks of conservative treatment, a full-thickness tear is suspected, or surgery is planned.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/Mf2xfpLpk5v5iyif5YXaeLW842LflGA2.jpg)
Knee cartilage damage symptoms and who to seeArticular cartilage lacks a blood supply and cannot repair itself; untreated defects larger than 1 cm risk progressive worsening and osteoarthritis.Articular cartilage lacks a blood supply and cannot repair itself; untreated defects larger than 1 cm risk progressive worsening and osteoarthritis.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/o5ovKxl85s6GjqXO0lxghkOnYgKV4rkk.jpg)
AMIC versus ACI for knee cartilage repairAMIC completes knee cartilage repair in a single operation using bone-marrow stem cells held by a collagen scaffold; ACI requires two procedures to culture and reimplant the patient's own cartilage cells. A 2024 meta-analysis found outcomes between the two approaches broadly equivalent.AMIC completes knee cartilage repair in a single operation using bone-marrow stem cells held by a collagen scaffold; ACI requires two procedures to culture and reimplant the patient's own cartilage cells. A 2024 meta-analysis found outcomes between the two approaches broadly equivalent.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/KrFVoOQZ12jhh6MLUrwKAQtNJok3RQHr.jpg)
Knee Cartilage Repair and PreservationArticular cartilage lacks blood vessels, so when damaged it forms fibrocartilage—a mechanically inferior scar tissue that typically deteriorates within two to three years. This biological constraint shapes every treatment option, from temporary symptom relief to procedures attempting true cartilage regeneration.Articular cartilage lacks blood vessels, so when damaged it forms fibrocartilage—a mechanically inferior scar tissue that typically deteriorates within two to three years. This biological constraint shapes every treatment option, from temporary symptom relief to procedures attempting true cartilage regeneration.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/IFpWxeGwHWKCM33BIaZmNHaxps9gS0Ex.jpg)
When Shoulder Pain Points to a Rotator Cuff TearRotator cuff tears on imaging in asymptomatic adults are not diagnoses; tear size predicts symptoms poorly, so clinical management turns on functional loss and pain, not scan findings.Rotator cuff tears on imaging in asymptomatic adults are not diagnoses; tear size predicts symptoms poorly, so clinical management turns on functional loss and pain, not scan findings.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/0TUtcyt4GXbxiF6gJem8IBQTJxdBjdy1.jpg)
When cartilage repair is the right choiceCartilage repair is suited to younger, active patients with isolated damage in otherwise healthy joints where conservative care has not worked. It is mechanistically impossible when underlying bone is worn smooth, degeneration spans multiple compartments, or malalignment and instability persist uncorrected.Cartilage repair is suited to younger, active patients with isolated damage in otherwise healthy joints where conservative care has not worked. It is mechanistically impossible when underlying bone is worn smooth, degeneration spans multiple compartments, or malalignment and instability persist uncorrected.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/NVBxTwqrhFf5MtzHXwBTNTJi8qrvNNkp.jpg)
Physiotherapist or surgeon first for a meniscus tearFor most meniscus tears, physiotherapy is the evidence-supported first step; surgery is reserved for locked knees, persistent instability, or severe acute injuries that fail to settle.For most meniscus tears, physiotherapy is the evidence-supported first step; surgery is reserved for locked knees, persistent instability, or severe acute injuries that fail to settle.
