Knee Chondroplasty
A minimally invasive procedure to smooth damaged cartilage and reduce knee pain
Chondroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that smooths and stabilises damaged cartilage in the knee joint. This can help relieve discomfort, improve your mobility, and prevent further joint damage. It’s often recommended for patients with mild to moderate cartilage damage, where the goal is to reduce symptoms and improve function without the need for more extensive surgery.
Understanding Cartilage Damage
Articular cartilage is the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones inside your knee joint. It allows for pain-free, low-friction movement of the joint. When cartilage becomes damaged — due to injury, overuse, or early osteoarthritis — it may:
Fray or soften (known as chondromalacia)
Break off into loose flaps or fragments
Cause inflammation and joint irritation
Lead to pain during walking or activity
Unlike bone, cartilage does not heal easily on its own. In early or localised cases, chondroplasty may help by smoothing the damaged area and removing unstable cartilage that causes irritation.
The potential benefits of Chondroplasty?
One of the main benefits of chondroplasty is that it’s a minimally invasive procedure, meaning you’ll likely experience a quicker recovery compared to more complex surgeries. Because the procedure only involves smoothing and stabilising the existing cartilage, there is minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues which allows for a faster healing process.
- Quick Recovery: Since chondroplasty is less invasive, you’ll typically have less pain and swelling after the surgery, allowing you to start rehabilitation sooner. Many patients are able to resume light activities within a few weeks.
- Symptom Relief: By removing loose cartilage and smoothing damaged areas, chondroplasty can effectively reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness, improving your overall knee function.
- Prevents Further Damage: Smoothing rough cartilage helps protect the joint from further wear and tear, potentially slowing down the progression of conditions like osteoarthritis.
The knee chondroplasty Surgical Procedure
Chondroplasty is usually performed as a day procedure using arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery under general or spinal anaesthesia. Small incisions are made around the knee to insert a camera (arthroscope) and surgical instruments.
The procedure involves:
Dr Liddell will assess the cartilage surfaces, meniscus, and surrounding joint structures using high-definition imaging.
Any loose, frayed, or unstable cartilage is gently trimmed and smoothed using specialised instruments or a surgical shaver.
The edges of healthy cartilage are smoothed to reduce ongoing irritation and reduce the risk of further breakdown.
If other conditions are present, such as a torn meniscus or inflamed synovium, these may be treated during the same procedure.
The incisions are then closed, and a dressing is applied. You will go home the same day in most cases.
Recovery after knee chondroplasty
Recovery is generally quicker than more invasive procedures, but it still requires rest and physiotherapy. Most patients notice improvement within a few weeks.
Key recovery points:
Weight-bearing: Walking is allowed shortly after surgery, sometimes with the aid of crutches
Pain relief: Mild pain or swelling is expected for a few days
Physiotherapy: Starts early to restore strength and range of motion
Return to work: Light duties can usually resume within 1 to 2 weeks
Return to sport: May take 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of cartilage damage and your response to rehabilitation
Dr Liddell and your physiotherapy team will provide tailored instructions based on the extent of damage and your activity goals.
Are there any limitations with knee chondroplasty surgery?
While knee chondroplasty can provide meaningful symptom relief, there are important limitations to be aware of. Unlike some cartilage repair techniques, chondroplasty does not regenerate new cartilage. Instead, it focuses on smoothing and stabilising damaged areas to reduce irritation and improve joint function.
In some cases, the relief it provides may be temporary, particularly if the underlying cause of the cartilage damage, such as malalignment or progressive arthritis is not addressed. Over time, symptoms may return, and further treatment such as realignment osteotomy or even joint replacement may be required if the condition continues to progress.
Dr Liddell will discuss the expected benefits and limitations of chondroplasty in the context of your knee condition, activity level, and long-term goals.
Is Chondroplasty right for my condition?
Chondroplasty is often recommended for individuals with early-stage cartilage damage who are looking to reduce pain and maintain an active lifestyle. If you’re not yet a candidate for more invasive surgeries, or if you want to manage your symptoms and preserve your knee function, chondroplasty could be a suitable option.
Dr Liddell will thoroughly assess your knee condition, including the extent of your cartilage damage, to determine whether chondroplasty is the best course of action for your condition.