Knee Cartilage Repair or Restoration Surgery
Restoring Joint Function and Relieving Pain by Repairing Damaged Cartilage
Articular cartilage, or hyaline cartilage, is the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones in the knee joint, allowing for smooth movement and reducing friction. Damage to this cartilage, often caused by injury, can lead to symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. Unfortunately, articular cartilage has a limited ability to heal itself, and damage can initiate osteoarthritis, where the cartilage continues to degrade over time.
To address this, various surgical techniques have been developed to stimulate cartilage growth, relieve pain, and restore joint function, potentially delaying or preventing osteoarthritis. Dr Keeley is highly skilled in performing these advanced cartilage repair and restoration procedures.
Ideal candidates for cartilage repair surgery are usually young adults with isolated cartilage injuries. The success of the surgery depends on factors like the size and location of the lesion and the overall condition of the knee joint. In some cases, additional procedures like knee realignment or ligament reconstruction may be necessary to optimise outcomes.
Many cartilage restoration procedures can be performed arthroscopically through small incisions, offering quicker recovery and less postoperative pain. Somecases however, may require an open incision to directly access the affected area.
Dr Keeley will recommend the most suitable approach based on your specific condition:
Chondroplasty
Microfracture
