Knee Cartilage Repair With Hip & Knee Orthopaedics

Cartilage repair can be done as a day surgery. Crutches and weight bearing restrictions may be required after the surgery depending on the location of the cartilage defect. Crutches might be required up to 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery. Patients are usually allowed to resume high impact
activities 3 months after surgery.

Dressings change will be required every 4-5 days. A shower cover can be provided to help keep the dressings dry and intact.

After surgery, time should also be set aside for physiotherapy and rehabilitation. This will be focused on swelling reduction in the initial phase, followed by quads reactivation and strengthening, and thereafter conditioning exercises to facilitate a return to your favourite sporting activities.

Yes, cartilage damage can be repaired. It is done by using surgical techniques. Some surgeries relieve only symptoms while others completely restore function.

No, damaged cartilage does not tend to heal well on its own,due to poor blood supply. However not all cartilage defects require surgery. We need to assess certain factors relating to the defect, such as the size, location of the defect, presence of bone marrow lesion, any long leg deformity, and associated injuries such as meniscal and ligamentous injuries of the knee. We also need to assess the age, function of the patient, as well as the degree of pain, frequency of swelling, and  what treatments patients have received so far. We then discuss with our patients their concerns and expectations, before formulating a treatment plan. Some patients with cartilage defects will benefit from surgery after assessment.

If you observe the following signs, your cartilage is damaged:

• Tenderness or pain in the knee.
• Stiffness 
• Swelling You are having 
• Difficulty bending, straightening, or moving the knee.
• Crunching or clicking sensation while moving