Joint and Cartilage
Preservation Center  

Our joint specialists preserve and extend the life of joints. You’ll notice immediate improvements in your daily life. We treat many joint and cartilage conditions, including:

• Knee pain. The knee is a commonly injured joint. Overuse/overtraining, accidents, and genetic issues can cause pain and swelling. We treat ligament injuries, cartilage damage, instability, mal-alignment, or after-effects of previous surgeries.
• Meniscus tears. The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). Direct contact, sudden stops, or forced rotation can cause tears. We treat meniscus tears and can address problems from previous surgeries.
• Hip pain. Pain from osteoarthritis is more common in older individuals. However, sometimes impingement or “FAI” and a labrum tear of the hip can cause pain. 
• Foot, toe, and ankle pain. Because there are 33 joints in the foot and ankle, it can be difficult to diagnose the source of pain. The expert problem-solvers at Emory can help you find relief.
• Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition of the joints. Pain, joint stiffness, and loss of flexibility occur when protective cartilage is injured or worn down. There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Treatments can manage symptoms, improve mobility and flexibility, and help you get back to activities.
• Disc degeneration/stenosis. Degenerative disc disease and stenosis are more likely to develop in people over the age of 50. However, those with a spine injury or certain types of arthritis may also be at risk. As the spine narrows, it puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, cramping, and even foot problems. 
• Elbow pain. The cartilage of the elbow is thin, making the elbow vulnerable to injury or arthritis. Tenderness, pain, and swelling can be signs of cartilage damage.
• Shoulder pain. One of the most common shoulder conditions is arthritis. Bone spurs, rotator cuff tears, and cartilage injury can also cause a loss of movement in the shoulder joint, stiffness, and pain. 

Our radiologists use the research of Emory University. They also have the most advanced imaging to diagnose and treat joint conditions. 

• 3D computer modeling offers a three-dimensional view of anatomy and conditions. Radiologists and surgeons use it to prepare for complex surgeries. By studying a patient's unique body, they can be more precise. They also save time and lower treatment costs.
• Improved cartilage mapping and injury grading techniques help us make a better diagnosis. This helps physicians and surgeons create individualized patient care plans for better outcomes.

Our joint and cartilage experts are among the few who offer stem cell therapy and other regenerative medical therapies.

• Stem cell injection therapies provide long-lasting relief from joint pain. They use a patient’s own stem cells and growth factors to repair damaged tissue. They reduce pain and promote healing.
• Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in joints as a shock absorber and lubricant. We inject it into arthritic joints to reduce pain and swelling.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy takes platelets from a patient's own blood. We then use them to rebuild a damaged tendon or cartilage. It has been successful in relieving pain and jumpstarting the healing process.

Our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in their field. They’re always searching for ways to re-grow or preserve existing cartilage. Our goal is to prevent unnecessary joint replacement or surgeries. 

• Cartilage regenerative procedures use a patient's own stems cells and growth factors. They repair damaged tissue, reduce pain and promote healing. We take a patient’s own cells from fat or bone marrow. Then we process and inject those cells into their joint or tendon.
• Cartilage transplant repairs cartilage with replacement juvenile cartilage. We use a mix of donated cartilage and fibrin glue (a common medium for biological repairs) formed into a patch. We insert that patch into the damaged area.
• Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive way to access the hip. It repairs the hip, alleviates pain, and may prevent/delay osteoarthritis. Typically, we remove the impinging bone and repair the labrum. Sometimes, the labrum or capsule/ligaments can be reconstructed.
• Ligament reconstruction stabilizes the knee, ankle, shoulder or elbow. This improves movement and restores full function. Surgery for a torn ligament replaces the ligament with a piece of healthy tendon.
• Meniscus transplants can offer significant pain relief for a select group of patients. A meniscus transplant replaces the damaged meniscus with donor cartilage.
• Osteotomy (re-alignment) surgery involves cutting or lengthening part of the bone near a damaged joint. This shifts weight to an area with healthier cartilage. This technique is used to relieve the pain of arthritis, especially in the knee or hip.
• Shoulder allograft reconstruction is an option for young, active patients. It uses donor tissue to stabilize and repair tendons in the shoulder.
• A tendon transfer moves a working muscle and tendon to replace a non-working muscle and tendon. This is most often done on the hand to restore function after nerve or muscle injuries, neuromuscular disorders or birth defects.

Emory's specialists are always working to improve treatments for muscle and joint pain. In fact, most of Atlanta's professional sports teams have put their trust in the experts at Emory. We’re finding new ways to keep athletes on the field and court longer. The results of these partnerships benefit every person looking to live a long, healthy and active life.

We bring the best possible care to you, with several convenient locations.

To make an appointment, please call 404-778-3350 or request an appointment online.