Knee cartilage surgery

Chondroplasty is used for smaller areas of cartilage damage. During keyhole surgery, the surgeon smooths rough cartilage and removes loose fragments that may be causing catching or irritation inside the joint.

This procedure is usually performed as a day case. Recovery is often quicker than with more complex cartilage procedures, and many patients return to driving within a few weeks, depending on comfort and movement.

Microfracture surgery is used when the cartilage damage extends down to the underlying bone. The damaged cartilage is first cleared away. Small holes are then made in the bone beneath the surface.

This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging new cartilage-like tissue to form over the damaged area. After surgery, patients normally use crutches for several weeks while the joint heals.

AMIC combines microfracture surgery with a collagen membrane that helps support new cartilage growth. The membrane is placed over the treated area to help guide the healing process.

The procedure is usually performed using keyhole surgery. Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery, and patients are usually advised to protect the knee with crutches for several weeks while the new tissue develops.

MACI is used for larger areas of cartilage damage and is usually carried out in two stages.

During the first procedure, a small sample of cartilage cells is taken from the knee. These cells are then grown in a laboratory and attached to a collagen membrane. 

In the second procedure, the membrane containing the new cartilage cells is placed into the damaged area of the knee.

This approach aims to regenerate cartilage that behaves more like natural joint cartilage. Recovery includes a structured physiotherapy programme and a gradual return to activity.

In OATS surgery, healthy cartilage and bone are taken from a less weight-bearing area of the knee and moved to the damaged area.

This allows the injured part of the joint to be repaired using your own healthy cartilage. The procedure may be performed using keyhole techniques, sometimes with a small open incision, depending on the size of the defect.

For larger cartilage injuries, donor cartilage and bone can sometimes be used to restore the joint surface. The donor tissue is carefully matched and placed into the damaged area of the knee.

This approach may be considered when the defect is too large to treat using other techniques. As with other cartilage procedures, recovery includes physiotherapy and a gradual return to normal activities.

Not every cartilage injury needs surgery. Many people improve with physiotherapy, activity changes or injections that help settle the joint.

Surgery may be considered if pain, swelling or catching in the knee continues and scans show a defined area of cartilage damage. The aim is to restore the joint surface and improve movement.

At OS Clinic, your consultant will examine your knee and review any imaging before explaining whether cartilage repair or replacement surgery could help. You’ll have time to understand the options and decide what feels right for you.

At OS Clinic, your care is led by consultant orthopaedic surgeons who specialise in knee conditions and cartilage restoration. Your knee will be assessed carefully so your consultant can explain the cause of your symptoms and the treatment options available.

We focus on treatments that preserve the natural joint where possible and tailor surgery to the size and location of the cartilage damage. From your first consultation through to rehabilitation, your care is coordinated by one team so you feel supported at every stage.

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Most knee cartilage procedures are performed using arthroscopy. Small incisions are made around the knee so a camera and surgical instruments can be inserted into the joint.

Your surgeon will examine the cartilage and treat the damaged area using the most suitable technique. This may involve smoothing damaged cartilage, stimulating new cartilage growth or placing healthy cartilage tissue into the affected area.

The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic and many patients return home the same day. Your consultant will explain the exact approach before surgery so you know what to expect.

Recovery depends on the type of cartilage procedure performed and the size of the treated area. Many patients use crutches for several weeks to protect the knee while the cartilage heals.

Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery. Your rehabilitation programme will focus on restoring movement, rebuilding strength and gradually returning to everyday activities.

Your consultant and physiotherapy team will guide you through each stage of recovery and advise when it’s safe to return to work, exercise and sport.

If knee pain, swelling or catching is affecting your daily activities, a specialist assessment can help clarify what’s causing the problem and which treatments may help. At OS Clinic, your consultation includes a careful examination of the knee and time to talk through your symptoms, scans and treatment options.

If cartilage surgery is recommended, your consultant will explain the procedure, recovery and expected outcomes so you can make a confident decision about the next step. 

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