Cartilage Restoration and Replacement with Dr. Kushal Patel

As people age or experience injuries, the cartilage in their joints can become worn down or damaged, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While treatment options for cartilage injury or damage were limited in the past, advancements in technology and medical techniques have enabled doctors to restore and replace cartilage more innovatively. How can cartilage damage be treated less invasively and provide patients with faster recovery?

In this episode, Shannon talks to Dr. Kushal Patel, one of the orthopedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas. With a professional interest in sports medicine, ACL tears, cartilage repair, and preservation and reconstruction of the shoulder and knee, Dr. Patel speaks about how cartilage preservation works, what OATS (Osteoarticular Transfer System) cartilage repair surgery involves, and how he determines which type of cartilage preservation is best for a patient.

Dr. Kushal Patel performed his undergraduate studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, majoring in the University Scholars Program. He then matriculated to Texas A&M College of Medicine, graduating with honors, earning acceptance into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and was awarded the James A. Knight Leadership in Medicine award. His career path took him to Denver, Colorado, for additional specialization in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the University of Colorado. After his fellowship, Dr. Patel moved back to Texas and settled in the Dallas area.

Professionally, Dr. Patel's goal as an orthopedic surgeon is to quickly return patients to their active lifestyle by utilizing the latest technology while providing a great experience. His expertise includes minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, limb realignment, cartilage restoration, ligament/tendon tears, and joint replacement. He views surgery as the final treatment option.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

01:07 - Dr. Kushal Patel's reasons for becoming a physician

04:01 - How cartilage preservation works

06:39 - What OATS (Osteoarticular Transfer System) cartilage repair surgery involves

08:53 - The expected downtime for someone who underwent OATS repair surgery

09:35 - Dr. Patel's approach to treating knee pain

12:25 - How Dr. Patel determines which type of cartilage preservation is best for a patient

14:22 - Dr. Patel's preoperative and postoperative surgery processes

17:42 - Dr. Patel's approach to accessing care

18:58 - The OATS procedure for the knee

Favorite Quotes

04:10 - "Cartilage pathology is one of the top three things we see as orthopedic sports doctors. The more you are active and function, the more you are exposed to cartilage injury or damage." - Dr. Kushal Patel

15:23 - "As a surgeon and a sports medicine doctor, I want all my patients to understand why we're doing the surgery and what we're doing exactly." - Dr. Kushal Patel

18:42 - "Having a quick diagnosis, quick intervention, and a treatment path helps our clients mentally and physically." - Dr. Kushal Patel

Learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas