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From AlaskaClinic

Cartilage Clinic Day

Please come join us for a free evaluation by the world class orthopedist Doug Vermillion, MD, hosted by the Alaska Clinic.

When Tuesday May 20th 2008 from 10:00 to 4:30 PM. Where - 3750 E Country Field Circle, Suite B Wasilla, Alaska Call 907 357-7240 to schedule.

Do you have knee or ankle problems? If so it is likely that no matter the injury there is accompanying damage to your cartilage

In many instances the key to the successful repair of a knee or ankle injury depends on restoring the commonly associated cartilage defect. Cartilage is a type of dense connective tissue. It is composed of specialized cells called chondrocytes that produce a large amount of collagen fibers, and complex molecules called proteoglycan, in addition to other fibers.

Cartilage is found in many places in the body including the articular surface of the bones. In many cases the key to joint repair includes restoration of the damaged cartilage. New treatments that include removal of the damaged area, and replacement with cartilage taken from a healthy, non-weightbearing, part of the joint are now available here in Alaska. This surgery is called an osteochondral allograft, or OATS procedure. Other patients may be candidates for a two-stage surgical procedure to replace damaged cartilage. In the first surgery a biopsy of healthy cartilage is then sent to a lab to be grown into a piece large enough to graft into the damaged area during a second surgery. You can read more about Dr. Vermillion and these technologies at the ORCA homepage.

There are other technologies available to improve your functional status and reduce pain. You are welcome to give us a call at 907 357-7240 to schedule for the above specialty clinic.