Chondroplasty of the knee is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to address damage within the knee’s cartilage. Its primary purpose is to repair or reshape compromised cartilage, reducing friction and improving joint function. It often involves removing damaged tissue, allowing for potential regeneration of healthier cartilage.
Causes of Cartilage Damage in the Knee
Cartilage damage in the knee can arise from various factors, including acute trauma and degenerative processes. High-impact sports injuries, such as a direct blow or a sudden twisting motion to the knee, are common causes of cartilage tears. Repetitive impacts or chronic overuse can also cause the cartilage to wear down over time.
Articular cartilage, a smooth tissue lining knee bones, facilitates frictionless movement. Unlike other tissues, cartilage has a limited capacity to heal due to its lack of a direct blood supply. This makes it susceptible to damage from degenerative conditions, such as localized wear and tear or post-traumatic osteoarthritis, where cartilage becomes rough. Prolonged inactivity or immobility can also contribute to cartilage deterioration, as consistent joint movement is beneficial for cartilage health.
The Chondroplasty Procedure Explained
The chondroplasty procedure is typically performed arthroscopically, a minimally invasive approach. This surgical approach involves smaller incisions compared to traditional open knee surgery, generally leading to a quicker and less painful recovery. The procedure is often conducted under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient remains unconscious throughout.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions around the front of the knee. Through one of these incisions, an arthroscope is inserted; a narrow, illuminated tube with a camera that projects a magnified view of the joint’s interior onto a monitor. To enhance visibility and create working space, fluid may be pumped into the joint to expand it.
Specialized surgical instruments are introduced through other small incisions. The surgeon uses these tools to carefully remove frayed or loose fragments of damaged cartilage. The goal is to trim compromised cartilage and smooth the surface, creating a more stable, less abrasive joint environment. Once complete, the fluid is drained, instruments removed, and incisions closed with stitches or surgical tape.
Post-Procedure Care and Prognosis
Following chondroplasty, patients typically return home the same day. Immediate post-operative care focuses on managing pain and swelling. Applying ice to the knee frequently, 4-5 times a day for 20 minutes each session, helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Elevating the knee above heart level for 30 minutes every two hours during the initial 24-48 hours also minimizes swelling.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are significant for recovery, often starting within days of surgery. These exercises restore the knee’s full range of motion, focusing on achieving full extension and gradually increasing flexion. Strengthening exercises for thigh muscles, such as quadriceps activation, are also introduced to prevent muscle weakening.
Patients typically use crutches for the first few weeks to limit weight-bearing, though duration depends on individual recovery and surgeon’s instructions. Recovery time is generally faster than with traditional open surgery. Prognosis often includes reduced joint pain and improved knee function, with new scar tissue cartilage growing over the treated area. Adherence to the rehabilitation program significantly influences long-term results.