Does an orthopedic surgeon perform cartilage repair surgery?

Cartilage repair surgery aims to treat a damaged area of smooth joint lining, often in the knee, ankle, or another weight-bearing joint. The orthopedic surgeon reviews the injury, pain pattern, swelling, locking, alignment, ligament stability, and activity demands. Imaging can show the size and position of a defect, while arthroscopy may allow direct inspection. Options include stimulating repair tissue, placing a cartilage or bone-and-cartilage graft, or using a cell-based technique. The appropriate method depends on the defect and the rest of the joint; it is not the same plan for every patient.

Seek an assessment if joint pain, swelling, catching, or reduced movement persists after an injury or limits sport and daily tasks. Record when symptoms occur and whether the joint locks or gives way. Bring prior scans, operation details, medicines, and rehabilitation history. Ask whether physiotherapy, load modification, or another treatment should come first, and clarify crutches, brace use, weight-bearing, and rehabilitation milestones if surgery is proposed.

Get urgent help for a deformed joint, inability to bear weight after trauma, a hot swollen joint with fever, sudden loss of movement, or a pale, blue, cold, or numb limb. After surgery, fever, worsening wound drainage, severe calf pain, chest pain, or breathlessness requires prompt assessment.

Ask which cartilage layer is damaged, how large the defect is, and why a particular technique fits. Discuss realistic goals, rehabilitation length, return to work or sport, treatment alternatives, and how coexisting arthritis or alignment problems affect the result.