The top 5 list of doctors for partial resection of the alar cartilage in New York City is made public!

Introduction

When it comes to partial resection of the alar cartilage, finding a skilled and experienced doctor is of utmost importance. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical expertise, there are several top - notch doctors who specialize in this field. This article aims to present the top 5 doctors for partial resection of the alar cartilage in New York City, along with detailed information about their backgrounds, areas of specialization, and contact details. Additionally, we will delve into the concept of cartilage damage, various cartilage repair and reconstruction surgeries, and the recovery process associated with them.

Top 5 Doctors for Partial Resection of the Alar Cartilage in New York City

Dr. Riley J. Williams

Dr. Riley J. Williams graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine in 1992 and completed his training at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He is board - certified in orthopaedic sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery. His expertise in sports medicine, along with a focus on cartilage damage and transplant, makes him a prime candidate for partial resection of the alar cartilage. He has extensive experience in various cartilage repair and reconstruction surgeries of the knee, as described on his clinic's website (rileywilliamsmd.com). These surgeries include chondroplasty, microfracture, matrix - associated autologous autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS), and more.

Dr. Andreas H. Gomoll

Dr. Andreas Gomoll is an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery and a professor of orthopedic surgery at Cornell Medical School. He is double - board certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Born and raised in Munich, Germany, he has received a comprehensive medical education with additional training in South Africa and the UK. His research interests in emerging technologies for joint preservation, such as the use of stem cells, demonstrate his forward - thinking approach in the field of cartilage surgery. He specializes in arthroscopic and open procedures of the knee and shoulder, which can provide patients with a wide range of treatment options for cartilage - related issues.

Dr. Thomas L. Wickiewicz

Dr. Thomas Wickiewicz graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School in 1976 and completed his training at the Hospital for Special Surgery and UCLA Med Ctr. He is board - certified in orthopaedic surgery. His focus on knee injuries, including ACL repair, and shoulder surgery, makes him well - equipped to handle the complexities associated with partial resection of the alar cartilage, as these surgeries often require a high level of precision and knowledge of joint mechanics.

Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu

Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu is an orthopedic knee surgeon serving patients in Manhattan, New York City. He offers articular cartilage restoration and other surgical techniques to relieve knee pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. He takes into account the patient's age, activity level, and goals after restoration when recommending treatment options. His personalized approach to patient care is highly beneficial for those seeking partial resection of the alar cartilage, as every patient's condition is unique.

Dr. Robert J. Meislin

Dr. Robert J. Meislin, an orthopaedic surgeon affiliated with NYU Langone Health - Tisch Hospital, is also a notable name in the field. While specific details about his focus on alar cartilage resection may not be as prominent as the others, his general orthopaedic expertise can be valuable in cases where there are multiple factors involved in the treatment of cartilage - related conditions.

Understanding Cartilage Damage

Cartilage damage can occur in various joints, such as the knee, ankle, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Articular cartilage in the knee, for example, is a tough, slippery form of connective tissue that acts as a shock absorber within joints. It covers the ends of the bones and helps the joint to move smoothly and painlessly. Knee articular cartilage can become damaged from normal wear and tear, repetitive overuse, or due to traumatic injury, such as patella dislocation or acute ACL tears.

When cartilage is damaged, it results in a loss of tissue that causes abnormal joint friction. Over time, this cartilage erosion can lead to arthritis, which can limit an individual's ability to participate in sports and daily activities. Unlike other tissues in the body, damaged cartilage does not grow back or heal on its own. However, current operative techniques can help restore damaged cartilage.

Types of Cartilage Repair and Reconstruction Surgeries

Chondroplasty

Chondroplasty is a surgical procedure wherein the area of affected cartilage damage is debrided to facilitate smooth joint motion. It is often colloquially referred to as a “clean out.” This outpatient, arthroscopic surgery is typically used for individuals suffering from mild to moderate cartilage damage and is commonly used as an in - season treatment strategy for athletes. During chondroplasty, the doctor smooths all areas of cartilage damage, removes loose bodies, and addresses other potential issues such as meniscus tears or synovitis. Adjunct therapies such as platelet - rich plasma injection, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), or adipose - based stromal cells injection may be indicated in conjunction with chondroplasty.

Microfracture

Microfracture is a procedure where small holes are created in the base of a cartilage lesion to promote a healing response and create cartilage repair tissue. The holes enable marrow elements (stem cells) to migrate into the area of cartilage damage to support the repair process. Microfracture is used to treat small areas of cartilage damage, typically in the knee. However, it typically results in the formation of scar tissue or fibrocartilage that is not as durable or effective as healthy articular cartilage. It can be performed arthroscopically and is effective for the short - term treatment of knee cartilage defects. In general, more modern techniques are preferred for patients who desire a durable long - term solution.

Matrix - Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI)

MACI is a surgical procedure used to treat large areas of damaged cartilage within the knee. It involves two separate arthroscopic procedures. The first procedure harvests cartilage cells (chondrocytes), which are then used to create a cartilage scaffold or “patch” that can be used to repair an area of cartilage damage. The second procedure involves the implantation of this seeded scaffold into the damaged area. MACI utilizes a sample of an individual's own chondrocytes, which are removed from the knee and grown ten times the size in a laboratory for approximately 6 - 8 weeks. Once the cellular implant is ready, it is placed over the damaged cartilage area in the knee and glued in place. The cells and scaffold facilitate the creation of durable cartilage repair tissue.

Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS) or Autologous Osteochondral Transfer (AOT)

Osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS) or autologous osteochondral transfer (AOT) are the same procedure. These terms describe an arthroscopic procedure in which a healthy bone - cartilage plug is harvested from an area of the knee that bears minimal weight (usually the central portion of the knee). These healthy bone - cartilage plugs are then transplanted to an area of cartilage damage. Typically, two - four plugs can be harvested and used to treat a symptomatic lesion of the knee condyles, trochlea, or patella. Plugs diameters range from 6 - 10 mm, and plug length is usually 10 - 15 mm. The doctor places these plugs in a manner to fully resurface the area of cartilage damage. The bony base of these plugs heals quickly to the bone of the affected area, and there is immediate fill of the defect. Healing occurs quickly over the first 4 - 6 weeks following implantation. This method is an excellent choice for high - demand individuals, and the results of autograft osteochondral transfer are very good and durable.

Autograft or Autologous Mosaicplasty

Autograft mosaicplasty may also be referred to as an osteochondral autograft transplant (AOT). This type of repair surgery is indicated for high - demand individuals or individuals suffering from a small to medium - sized articular lesion of the knee (up to 5 cm²). Mosaicplasty is often performed arthroscopically; on occasion, a small incision may be necessary. During the surgery, the doctor will remove any broken pieces of bone or cartilage. Healthy tissue is harvested from a non - weight - bearing area of the knee joint, and the harvested plugs are used to repair the damaged area. Backfill of the harvested sites is completed using bone from the cartilage lesion or from a donor source (allograft). The use of several small grafts, instead of one large graft, can help minimize morbidities or undesirable complications, such as misshapen grafts, which can affect smooth knee movement.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Cartilage repair surgery that uses a donor source of cartilage and bone to repair a cartilage defect is termed osteochondral allograft transplantation. In these cases, a donated condyle specimen is used to craft a graft to reconstruct an area of cartilage damage. Typically, one or two cylindrical bone - cartilage grafts are used to restore the damaged cartilage area. These donated grafts are press - fit into the defect and immediately reconstruct the injury. The donated specimens are fresh, which means that the transplanted cartilage is viable and able to survive for long periods following implantation. This procedure is often performed using regional anesthesia, and a small incision is necessary to implant these large grafts. Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a highly effective procedure that is very effective in decreasing pain and increasing functions in patients suffering from large cartilage lesions.

Particulate (Minced) Juvenile Articular Cartilage Repair

The implantation of small pieces of juvenile articular cartilage can be used to enable the creation of durable cartilage repair tissue in a chondral defect. This product (known as de novo NT, Zimmer) is comprised of viable pieces of articular cartilage from young donors. The surgical procedure is simple. The area of cartilage repair is debrided, and all damaged cartilage is removed. A clear host site is created to enable implantation of the minced pieces. Fibrin glue is used to create an implant, or the pieces are laid at the base of the defect and glued into place. There is no invasion of bone or structural compromise of the affected area. This procedure can be done arthroscopically or using a small incision. Knee range of motion is held for a few days to facilitate early cartilage incorporation.

Recovery from Cartilage Repair and Reconstruction

The recovery time for cartilage repair and reconstruction varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Most cartilage repair procedures take approximately 6 months to recover, but this can differ significantly.

• Chondroplasty: This is the most time - efficient procedure, with a recovery time of 6 - 8 weeks. After chondroplasty, patients may need to use crutches for a few days and can expect to resume normal activities relatively quickly compared to other procedures.
• Autograft Mosaicplasty or OATS: These procedures can take 4 - 6 months for recovery. Patients may need to follow a strict rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy and strength training to regain full function of the joint.
• Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation and Juvenile Minced Cartilage Implantation: These procedures require approximately 6 months of recovery. During this time, patients need to be careful with their joint movement and follow the doctor's instructions regarding rest and rehabilitation.
• MACI: This procedure usually takes approximately 6 - 12 months for recovery. The long - term results of MACI are often excellent, but the extended recovery period is necessary to ensure the proper growth and integration of the implanted cartilage.

Regardless of the type of surgery, it is crucial to follow the doctor's rehabilitation guidelines, which typically include a period of rest for healing, followed by physical therapy and strength training. This will help the patient regain lower - extremity muscle strength and fitness and achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to partial resection of the alar cartilage in New York City, patients have access to some of the most experienced and skilled doctors in the field. Doctors like Dr. Riley J. Williams, Dr. Andreas H. Gomoll, Dr. Thomas L. Wickiewicz, Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, and Dr. Robert J. Meislin offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise in cartilage - related surgeries. Understanding the different types of cartilage damage, the available repair and reconstruction surgeries, and the associated recovery processes is essential for patients considering such procedures.

If you or someone you know is in need of partial resection of the alar cartilage, we encourage you to explore the profiles of these top doctors, contact their offices for consultations, and make an informed decision. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards better joint health. Share this article with others who may benefit from this valuable information and continue your research on related topics to stay informed about the latest advancements in cartilage surgery.