Joint Preservation

Professor Cathal Moran and his surgical team at Sports Surgery Clinic are renowned specialists in the provision of Cartilage Repair and Reconstruction Surgery. They are leaders in developing innovative biologic methods for addressing early cartilage damage in the knee, shoulder, and elsewhere.

If you’re young and active, cartilage injuries or defects can do more than just slow you down. If left untreated, they can lead to more serious disability and, in severe cases, early joint replacement. Our team specialise in repairing or replacing damaged cartilage before more advanced deterioration occurs.  They are leaders in developing innovative biologic methods for addressing early cartilage damage in the knee, shoulder, and elsewhere. These early treatments can delay or even prevent the need for joint replacement surgery. Furthermore, many conditions can be treated with arthroscopy instead of standard open surgery.

Where possible, Professor Moran has a preference to preserve the meniscus, particularly in our younger patients. Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure to repair a torn meniscus (the spongy, c-shaped disc of cartilage that cushions the knee). Some meniscal injuries can be repaired arthroscopically, depending on the type of tear, as well as the overall status of the damaged meniscus. Not all meniscal tears are suitable for meniscal repair, but the appropriate options will be discussed with you by your surgeon.

Meniscus transplant is a surgical procedure in which a disc of donor cartilage (allograft) is implanted into the knee of a person who needs to have a damaged meniscus removed (meniscectomy). Meniscus transplant can be an alternative to knee joint replacement for younger, active patients who do not have knee arthritis. The goal is to relieve pain and improve quality of life. 

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting a bone to reshape it (shorten, lengthen or realign). It is used to correct deformities of the feet (bunions), hips, knees and legs, as well as to straighten bones that don’t heal properly after a fracture. Orthopedic surgeons may do an osteotomy to relieve pain caused by hip or knee arthritis, especially in younger patients to spare them from joint replacement.  

By preserving your own knee anatomy, a successful osteotomy may delay the need for a joint replacement for several years. There are no restrictions on physical activities after an osteotomy has healed — you will be able to participate in your favorite activities. 

In partial knee replacement surgery, also referred to as unicompartmental knee surgery, only a portion of the knee is resurfaced. This procedure is an alternative to a Total Knee Replacement as only one compartment of the knee joint is removed and replaced with implants. It is suitable for patients whose arthritis is limited to one area of the knee.

As a partial knee replacement surgery is conducted via a smaller incision, recovery tends to be quicker with patients usually spending less time in the hospital and returning to normal activities sooner than had they undergone total knee replacement surgery. Professor Moran will discuss your suitability for a partial knee replacement if indicated. Please visit our Knee Procedures page to view an animation of the procedure. 

Research programmes and surgical options for repair and regeneration of cartilage and meniscus are continuously evolving. The SSC Cartilage Repair Programme is committed to providing patients with the most advanced and effective treatments available.

In addition to his research role as a lead surgeon for SSC’s participation in international multi-centre clinical trials, Professor Moran is a Principal Investigator at Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, RCSI Bioengineering and AMBER research centres. He links research at these centres to the development new options for cartilage and ligament injury at UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic.