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CARTILAGE SMOOTHING OF THE KNEE

Method
Arthroscopic cartilage smoothing (chondroplasty)
Duration
about 30 to 45 minutes
Recovery time
4 to 8 weeks

Arthroscopic cartilage smoothing is a minimally invasive procedure for treating superficial cartilage damage in the knee joint. The aim is to smooth roughened or frayed cartilage and to remove unstable cartilage fringes, in order to reduce mechanical irritation, relieve pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

How does cartilage smoothing work?

The procedure is carried out arthroscopically through small incisions, using a camera and fine instruments. Special shavers or smoothing instruments remove the loose parts of the cartilage and smooth the affected cartilage surfaces. This reduces friction and inflammation in the joint. The operation is particularly worthwhile with symptomatic fibrillation of the cartilage where there is no deep defect.

Cartilage smoothing is often combined with further arthroscopic measures such as treating a damaged meniscus or removing loose bodies. The stability of the joint is preserved, and in many cases weight-bearing after the operation can be increased quickly again – depending on the extent of the cartilage damage and on any accompanying measures.

Rehabilitation

Aftercare following cartilage smoothing is guided by the extent of the change in the cartilage and by any measures combined with it. As a rule, rapid mobilisation is possible, with targeted unloading in the first few days.

Phase I (0-2 weeks): protection and early mobilisation
  • Partial weight-bearing with forearm crutches for 3-7 days (depending on the extent)
  • Cooling, lymphatic drainage and anti-inflammatory measures
  • Physiotherapy with assisted movement (e.g. a CPM splint)
  • No kneeling, squatting or twisting movements
Phase II (2-6 weeks): building up load and activation
  • Full weight-bearing in everyday life within the pain-free range of movement
  • Strengthening the thigh muscles (quadriceps, isometric and dynamic)
  • Balance exercises, exercise-bike training
  • No sporting load, no jogging
Phase III (from week 6): return to sporting load
  • Increasing the intensity of loading once medically cleared
  • Co-ordination training, sensorimotor training
  • A slow start to running training from week 8-10
  • Full return to sport after 12 weeks at the earliest