Advanced OATS Procedure for Cartilage Repair in Hyderabad


Restore Cartilage Naturally, Return to Active Living

Advanced Cartilage Grafting for Knee, Ankle, and Shoulder Joints

At Germanten Hospital, Hyderabad’s trusted center for joint preservation and regenerative orthopedics, we offer the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) procedure—a highly effective, minimally invasive surgical solution to repair focal cartilage defects using your own healthy cartilage and bone.

If you're an active adult with a localized cartilage injury (not full arthritis), OATS can restore your joint surface naturally—preventing further damage and delaying or avoiding joint replacement.

OATS Procedure in Hyderabad

What is the OATS Procedure?

OATS (Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System) involves:

  • Taking small plugs of healthy cartilage and underlying bone (osteochondral grafts) from a non-weight-bearing part of your joint
  • Transplanting these grafts into the damaged cartilage area

This replaces the injured area with real, living cartilage and bone, promoting joint health and restoring smooth joint motion.

Unlike synthetic implants, OATS uses your body's own tissue, ensuring excellent compatibility and durability.

Who Can Benefit from the OATS Procedure?

Ideal for patients with:

  • Localized cartilage defects (grade 3-4) in the knee, ankle, or shoulder
  • Injury or trauma to cartilage without widespread arthritis
  • Defects typically 1-2.5 cm² in size
  • Pain, swelling, locking, or catching symptoms

Not suitable for:

  • Advanced osteoarthritis (bone-on-bone)
  • Severe joint malalignment without correction

Why Choose Germanten Hospital for OATS?

  • Experienced Joint Preservation Surgeons
  • State-of-the-Art Arthroscopy Facilities
  • Precise Graft Harvesting and Placement Techniques
  • Advanced Post-Operative Rehabilitation Support
  • Hyderabad's Leading Center for Cartilage Restoration

How the OATS Procedure Works

Evaluation and MRI Scan

High-definition imaging to assess defect size, location, and suitability.

Arthroscopic or Mini-Open Surgery

Harvesting osteochondral plugs from a non-critical joint area.

Graft Transfer

Healthy plugs are placed into the cartilage defect and securely fitted.

Healing and Rehabilitation

Structured physiotherapy to promote graft integration and restore strength.

Benefits of the OATS Procedure

  • Biological cartilage repair using your own tissue
  • Restores normal joint function and movement
  • Delays or avoids the need for joint replacement
  • High success rates (85-95% at 5-10 years follow-up)
  • Ideal for young and active individuals
  • Minimally invasive with faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries

Recovery Timeline After OATS Surgery

Timeframe Recovery Milestone
0-6 Weeks Protected weight-bearing (crutches)
6-12 Weeks Gradual increase in joint motion and walking ability
3-6 Months Strengthening, improved function
6-12 Months Return to sports and high-impact activities

Cost of OATS Procedure in Hyderabad

Cost depends on:

  • Number and size of grafts needed
  • Joint involved (knee, ankle, shoulder)
  • Rehabilitation duration and physiotherapy needs

Estimated Cost: ₹2.8 Lakhs – ₹5 Lakhs

EMI and customized payment plans available. Some insurance providers may cover cartilage repair surgeries after pre-approval.

Glossary of Terms

  • OATS – Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System; transferring living bone-cartilage plugs to repair defects
  • Osteochondral Defect – Damage to cartilage and underlying bone in a joint
  • Arthroscopy – Minimally invasive joint surgery using a small camera and instruments
  • Graft Integration – Successful incorporation of transplanted tissue into the host site
  • Autograft – Tissue taken from the same individual (your own body)
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OATS Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions

OATS uses immediate transplantation of your own bone and cartilage in a single surgery, while ACI/MACI involve cell culturing over weeks.
In many cases, OATS provides long-term relief, especially when combined with correct rehab. However, outcomes depend on graft size, location, and patient activity.
Post-operative discomfort is manageable with medications. Proper physiotherapy minimizes pain and speeds recovery.
Early defect repair with OATS can significantly delay or prevent the onset of osteoarthritis in many patients.
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