Arthroscopic knee cartilage repair: what to know

The operation may stimulate repair tissue from the underlying bone, transfer cartilage and bone plugs, implant cartilage cells, or use a scaffold to support healing. The choice depends on the defect's location and size, the surrounding cartilage and bone, knee alignment and stability, activity needs, and previous procedures.

Joint surface cartilage has limited capacity to restore itself after injury. Repair procedures are generally designed for a localised defect rather than widespread wear across the knee. Arthroscopy lets the surgeon inspect the joint, define the damaged area, and treat associated problems when appropriate. Some cell-based or graft procedures may involve more than one stage or an incision larger than the viewing portals.

The goal is to improve the joint surface and reduce symptoms while supporting useful knee function. The new or transplanted tissue may not be identical to the original cartilage, and pain can also come from the meniscus, bone, ligaments, kneecap mechanics, or general joint degeneration.

Before consenting, ask which technique is planned and why it suits your particular defect. Tell the team about medicines, supplements, allergies, previous blood clots, and any skin problem near the knee. Arrange crutches and practical support if weight bearing will be restricted.

Rehabilitation is part of the treatment rather than an optional extra. Follow the individual plan for brace use, weight bearing, knee bending, swelling control, and muscle activation. Advancing too quickly can overload healing tissue, while avoiding movement beyond the prescribed limits can contribute to stiffness and weakness. Return to impact activity should be based on clinical review, strength, control, and the surgeon's assessment of healing.

Seek urgent assessment for chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, or a newly swollen and painful calf. Also obtain prompt care if the foot becomes cold or unusually pale, or if severe pain is accompanied by increasing tightness or numbness.

Contact the surgical team for fever, spreading redness, wound drainage, worsening swelling, pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan, or a knee that becomes increasingly difficult to move. A small amount of swelling can accompany recovery, but a clear deterioration deserves review.

Ask whether the damage is focal or part of broader arthritis, which repair method is proposed, and whether alignment, ligament, or meniscus problems also need treatment. Clarify the expected period of crutch or brace use, limits on bending and weight bearing, rehabilitation milestones, and what outcome is realistic for work and sport.