What is Knee Articular Cartilage Removal?
Knee articular cartilage removal (also known as cartilage debridement or chondroplasty) is an arthroscopic surgical procedure performed to remove damaged articular cartilage of the knee joint.
Key statistics about Damaged Articular Cartilage Removal
- Approximately 12% of the population suffer from cartilage defects in the knee[1]
- 60% of patients who undergo knee arthroscopy are discovered to have cartilage defects[2]
Expert Insights
The Goals of Treating Cartilage Injuries - Daniel Cooper, MD
Knee Anatomy
The knee joint is formed by three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap). As the knee bends and straightens, the patella moves back and forth within a groove on the femur called the trochlea.
Articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur and tibia, the trochlea, and the underside of the patella, helping with shock absorption and allowing the bones to glide smoothly against one another.
Why is Knee Articular Cartilage Removal performed?
Articular cartilage damage can cause pain and affect knee joint function. If the damage is significant enough, the cartilage injuries can be surgically removed within the knee joint (Damaged Knee Articular Cartilage Removal) or behind the patella.
The goal of knee articular cartilage removal is to address cartilage injuries of the knee joint in order to alleviate pain and restore a smooth joint surface[3]. This procedure may improve outcomes[4] and thus delay knee replacement.
Who needs Articular Cartilage Removal?
Damage to knee articular cartilage typically is caused by overuse or injury.
Ideal candidates for the procedure have smaller regions of articular cartilage damage within the knee (no widespread osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), have normal knee alignment and stability, and are relatively young, active, and willing to commit to physical therapy.
How is Knee Articular Cartilage Removal performed?
- The surgeon will make small incisions around the knee joint and the arthroscope will be inserted into one of the incisions.
- Saline solution is pumped into the joint to expand it and improve visualization.
- Images from the arthroscope are sent to a video monitor where the surgeon can see inside the joint.
- The damaged cartilage is removed.
- The surgeon may choose to scrape the exposed bone in order to stimulate healing.
- Finally, the saline solution is drained, instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed using sutures.
What are the risks of Knee Articular Cartilage Removal?
It is uncommon to experience complications from patellar cartilage removal but potential risks may include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Knee stiffness
How long does it take to recover from Knee Articular Removal?
-
24 hours after surgery
Most patients are able to return home the same day as their procedure. A physical therapy routine will be established by the surgeon and physical therapist, and crutches will be provided. Pain medication may be prescribed. -
2 weeks after surgery
Any non-dissolvable sutures are removed and bruising and swelling begin to subside. -
4-7 months after surgery
Most patients are able to resume daily activities, including walking without assistance. -
9-12 months after surgery
Most patients are fully recovered from surgery.
What are the results of Knee Articular Cartilage Removal?
Knee articular cartilage removal is a safe and effective procedure performed to treat mild to moderate areas of articular cartilage damage within the knee joint. For patients who meet eligibility criteria for cartilage removal, the surgery can provide significant improvement in knee function and persistent pain.
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