OATS Procedure — Microfracture and Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OATS)

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center · J. Baumfeld, MD; M. Lemos, MD; K. DelPaine, PT

Weight-Bearing

NWB → TTWB → Partial → FWB

Key Restrictions

NWB + brace locked 0-2 wks; TTWB 3-4 wks; partial 50-75% 5-6 wks; partial 75% 7-8 wks; FWB when pain/effusion controlled ~9-12 wks; no resisted closed/open chain x 6 wks; no impact until 12 wks; CPM 8-12 hrs/day up to 6 wks; avoid deep flexion loading; no deep knee bends/squats through Phase II

Timeline & Phases

Phase I 0-2 wks; Phase II 3-4 wks; Phase III 5-6 wks; Phase IV 7-8 wks; Phase V 9-12 wks; Phase VI 13-26 wks (functional return); Phase VII 27-52 wks (return to sport); low-impact sports 6-8 mo; higher-impact 8-10 mo; high-impact 12-18 mo

Notes

Bone plug press-fit technique; susceptible to plug migration — WB restricted x 6 wks to ensure healing; same general framework as ACI protocol with slightly different WB progression; cartilage healing drives timeline

Surgeon / Author

J. Baumfeld, MD; M. Lemos, MD; K. DelPaine, PT

Published

2014-02