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Fellowship
Harvard-Massachusetts General Hospital
Princeton office
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Procedure

Cartilage Restoration

Cartilage Restoration care in Princeton, NJ

Medical illustration of Cartilage Restoration
FigureCartilage Restoration
  • Performed byWilliam Rossy
The short answer

Dr. Rossy performs cartilage restoration in Princeton, procedures that rebuild a damaged patch of the knee's smooth surface. It is considered for select defects in an otherwise healthy knee after non-surgical care. Dr. Rossy matches the technique to the defect's size and location.

William Rossy performs cartilage restoration in Princeton when it is the right step, and reviews every alternative with you first.

What is Cartilage Restoration?

Cartilage restoration is a group of procedures that rebuild a focused area of damaged articular cartilage, the smooth tissue that lets the knee bones glide.

Because cartilage does not heal well on its own, these techniques aim to create a durable surface.

The approach depends on the defect. Some techniques stimulate the body to fill a small defect, while others transfer cartilage and bone or use cells grown from the patient to resurface a larger area.

Restoration is generally for a focused defect in an otherwise healthy knee, not for widespread arthritis. Careful selection is what makes these procedures worthwhile.

What happens during Cartilage Restoration, step by step?

The technique is matched to the defect.

Options include stimulating repair tissue in a small defect, transferring plugs of cartilage and bone, or resurfacing with cells grown from the patient, which may be staged across two procedures. Dr. Rossy will explain which technique your defect calls for and why.

Medical illustration of Joint Injections (Cortisone/PRP)
Joint Injections (Cortisone/PRP)Medical illustration of Joint Injections (Cortisone/PRP) Read more

What is recovery like after Cartilage Restoration?

Restoration usually involves a careful, staged rehabilitation to protect the new surface while it matures.

Weight and motion are often limited early, with a gradual return to activity over several months, and full return to demanding activity can take longer, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises. Your surgical team will set a plan specific to your technique.

Read the full guide to preparing for surgery

Your own recovery instructions come from the office and are specific to you. This page describes the general course, not a plan to follow.

Who performs cartilage restoration in Princeton?

William Rossy is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who performs cartilage restoration in Princeton, NJ. Fellowship trained at Harvard-Massachusetts General Hospital (Sports Medicine Fellowship). Dr. Rossy sees patients at the practice in Princeton; appointments can be requested through this site.

What do patients ask most?

Who is a good candidate for cartilage restoration?
Candidates usually have a focused defect in an otherwise healthy knee, with the surrounding cartilage in good shape. Widespread arthritis is generally treated differently.
What are the main cartilage restoration techniques?
They include stimulating repair tissue in small defects, transferring cartilage and bone plugs, and resurfacing with cells grown from the patient. The choice depends on the defect's size and location.
How long is recovery after cartilage restoration?
Recovery is staged and often takes several months, because the new surface needs to be protected while it matures. Timelines are discussed as ranges.
Will cartilage restoration prevent arthritis?
The goal is to rebuild a durable surface and relieve symptoms. It may slow progression for a suitable defect, but it is not a guarantee against future arthritis.

How do payments work?

Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.

William Rossy
Orthopedic surgeonWilliam Rossy

Fellowship trained at Harvard-Massachusetts General Hospital (Sports Medicine Fellowship). Sees patients in Princeton.

About Dr. Rossy
Appointments

Talk through cartilage restoration with Dr. Rossy

Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.