Cartilage Surgery

Arthroscopic cartilage surgery may be able to repair the damage caused by an injury to the knee. Surgery can help to relieve symptoms such as pain and to restore the mobility of the joint as much as possible.

When is it Performed?

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that protects the bones in your knee joint. If the cartilage is torn or damaged, it can cause problems such as stiffness, swelling, pain and reduced mobility in the joint. In some cases, the movement of the knee may be restricted because of loose fragments of cartilage that are inside the joint. Surgery may be recommended to repair the cartilage if these symptoms are severe or if they last for a long time. Other treatment options such as rest and physiotherapy will usually be tried first. If these are unsuccessful, the damage will need to be assessed by a specialist. Surgery can’t always help with knee injuries, but in some cases it is possible to remove or repair the damaged cartilage. The doctor can determine whether surgery is likely to help you.

The Procedure

Cartilage surgery is performed as an arthroscopic procedure. Arthroscopy is a form of keyhole surgery, which means that it will be performed through several small incisions rather than one large one. The surgeon will use a special camera called an arthroscope to see inside the knee during the operation. The exact procedure will depend on how and where the cartilage has been damaged. The doctor may remove sections of cartilage that won’t be able to heal, especially if there are rough edges or areas that may break off. Any loose fragments of cartilage can also be removed to prevent them from interfering with the movement of the joint. In some cases, the torn cartilage can be stitched together to help it to heal. Other techniques can also be used to encourage the cartilage to heal, depending on the patient’s needs.

Recovering from cartilage surgery will take a few weeks, during which your mobility will be limited. You should be able to return to most everyday activities within a month. However, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for a few months.

Risks and Benefits

• Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive form of surgery, so the risks are lower than for an open procedure. However, there is still a small chance of complications such as blood clots or an infection. The risks will be discussed in detail before the operation.
• Repairing the cartilage should help to relieve symptoms such as pain and restore mobility. It can also reduce the risk of problems such as arthritis developing in the joint in the long term.
• Cartilage surgery isn’t the only option to treat an injured knee. Other alternatives such as a knee replacement may need to be considered, especially if there is other damage to the joint.

If you have experienced a knee injury, make an appointment with Mr Matt Dawson at the Cumbrian Knee Clinic to discuss the options for surgical repair.

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