Knee Arthroscopy - Cartilage Surgery
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses injuries to the cartilage—the smooth tissue covering the bone ends in the knee joint. This technique helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve joint movement by either smoothing the damaged cartilage or filling in areas where cartilage has been lost.
Cartilage injuries can lead to significant discomfort and limit knee function, often causing a catching sensation as the joint moves. Through knee arthroscopy, surgeons can examine the joint using a camera, and then repair or remove damaged cartilage. The goal is to restore a smoother joint surface, reduce painful symptoms, and prevent further deterioration. This procedure is typically performed using small incisions and offers a quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
The Procedure
The ends of the bones in the knee are covered with cartilage, providing a smooth surface that allows the joint to move freely. When this cartilage is damaged, it can lead to pain, swelling, and a catching sensation. Knee arthroscopy for cartilage surgery addresses these issues by either smoothing the cartilage to prevent further catching or filling in gaps caused by cartilage loss.
Most procedures are performed through two small incisions (1-2 cm) at the front of the knee. The knee is filled with water to create space, and a camera is used to navigate the joint. The following are common techniques used during cartilage surgery:
Chondroplasty: This technique involves using an electrical field or a mechanical shaver to remove loose cartilage fragments and smooth the damaged area, helping to prevent further injury.
Microfracture: If the damage extends down to the bone, microfracture may be used to stimulate scar tissue formation. This is achieved by drilling small holes in the base of the defect to encourage bleeding and create a new surface. Although scar tissue is not as durable as the original cartilage, it can reduce symptoms.
Each of these procedures typically takes around 30 minutes, with the entire operation including anaesthetic and recovery taking 1 to 1.5 hours. General anaesthetic is usually used, with local anaesthetic applied to control post-operative pain. The incisions are closed with sutures and covered with a dressing, and a bandage is applied to manage swelling.
Recovery
Most patients can be discharged on the same day as the surgery. If you've had chondroplasty, you can usually start using your knee immediately. However, following microfracture, you'll need to use crutches for about 6 weeks to allow proper healing. Specific exercises are also provided to aid recovery.
Simple painkillers are typically required for up to 2 weeks, with most patients feeling comfortable by around 6 weeks. The bandage can usually be removed within 24-48 hours after the operation.
Patients are typically reviewed at 2 weeks to ensure the wounds have healed and to remove the sutures, with a follow-up at 6-8 weeks to check on recovery progress. Additional appointments may be needed, especially for those who undergo microfracture.
