The Osteoarticular Transfer System (OATS) is a surgical procedure designed to treat focal cartilage defects in joints. These defects can result from injuries, such as sports-related trauma or wear and tear over time. OATS is a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery, aiming to restore joint function and alleviate pain for individuals suffering from articular cartilage damage. Dr.Birennadkarni.com states that the OATS procedure is a very simple and low-risk surgery.
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking OATS procedure with the international hospitals and facilitators for affordable treatments.
In this article, we will explore the significance of the OATS procedure, the steps involved, and how medical tourism in India, Singapore, and Malaysia can help access this treatment.
Significance of the OATS Procedure
Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue covering the ends of bones within a joint, enabling frictionless movement and shock absorption. When damaged, it can lead to pain, reduced joint mobility, and impaired quality of life.
The OATS procedure is significant as it addresses these issues by transplanting healthy cartilage from one part of the joint (usually a non-weight-bearing area) to the damaged site. This approach utilizes healthy osteoarticular plugs, maintaining the structural integrity of the joint and promoting the growth of new cartilage.
The OATS Procedure
The OATS procedure, also known as mosaicplasty or osteochondral autograft transplantation, is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves the following steps:
- Patient Preparation: The patient is positioned on the operating table, and general anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort throughout the surgery.
- Donor Cartilage Harvesting: Small, healthy cartilage plugs are carefully harvested from a non-weight-bearing area of the joint or a healthy joint, such as the knee’s intercondylar notch.
- Preparation of Defect Site: The damaged cartilage at the recipient site is shaped into a clean and stable defect to receive the transplanted plugs.
- OATS Transplantation: The harvested cartilage plugs, or osteochondral autografts, are inserted into the prepared defect site in a mosaic-like pattern, matching the contours of the surrounding joint surface.
- Final Assessment: The surgeon ensures that the transplanted cartilage is appropriately positioned and secured within the joint.
- Closure and Recovery: The incisions are closed, and the joint is carefully immobilized with a brace or cast. Postoperative rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential components of the recovery process.
Motus states that OATS surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it has a shorter recovery time and involves less pain and scarring than traditional joint replacement surgery.
Medical Tourism for the OATS Procedure
India, Singapore, and Malaysia have emerged as sought-after medical tourism destinations due to their world-class healthcare facilities, skilled medical professionals, and competitive pricing for various surgeries and procedures including OATS procedure.
India has made significant advancements in orthopedic surgery and offers state-of-the-art facilities for the OATS procedure.
Known for its exceptional healthcare system, Singapore is a leading destination for medical tourists seeking advanced treatments like the OATS procedure.
Malaysia’s healthcare infrastructure has seen significant development, offering a comprehensive range of medical services, including orthopedic treatments.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour help the patients requiring OATS procedures abroad to combine their treatment with vacation for speedy recovery and relaxation.
In conclusion, the Osteoarticular Transfer System (OATS) procedure represents a vital solution for individuals suffering from focal cartilage defects in joints. Medical tourism in countries like India, Singapore, and Malaysia provides an excellent opportunity for patients to access this advanced treatment at competitive prices.