Cartilage Restoration — Osteochondral Autograft/Allograft Transfer (OATS)

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

NWB 2 wks; lesion location determines subsequent WB progression

Key Restrictions

CPM initiated immediately post-op; condylar vs patellofemoral lesion-specific WB and ROM progression; no impact loading until graft incorporation confirmed

Timeline & Phases

Stage 1 (0-2 wks): NWB, CPM, quad sets, SLR; Stage 2 (2-6 wks): progressive WB based on lesion location (condylar vs patellofemoral), stationary bike; Stage 3 (6-12 wks): full WB, strengthening; Stage 4 (3-6 mo): return-to-run progression; Stage 5 (6-12 mo): sport-specific, return to sport

Notes

MGH Sports Medicine; condylar vs patellofemoral lesion location determines phase-specific restrictions; CPM immediately post-op; autograft (OAT) vs allograft (OCA) considerations noted. [Archived copy — original Massachusetts General Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2025-07-09.]

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine