After surgery to treat cartilage damage it is important to see that your aftercare is in the hands of professionals who are working under the direction of an experienced specialist. On the one hand the joints must not bear weight too soon; on the other hand, a correct amount of weight-bearing on the joints is necessary, after chondrocyte transplantation for instance, to ensure maturation and optimum nutrient supply of the young chondrocytes. Motorized splints are a valuable aid here, as they allow the affected joint to move slowly and in a precisely pre-determined manner throughout the whole range of motion.

As healing progresses further, sports like cycling or swimming are recommended to support the healing processes. On the other hand, ‘stop-start’ sports such as squash, tennis, football and also jogging should be strictly avoided in the early stages.