Cartilage
Chondral lesions: preserve your cartilage
Cartilage gives the knee its smooth surface. When it breaks down (chondromalacia or focal defects), deep pain, crepitus, and swelling appear. I aim to preserve and repair to delay arthritis.
Advanced diagnosis
MRI and arthroscopy to choose the right technique.
When to suspect a chondral lesion
- • Deep/sharp pain when loading or on stairs.
- • Crepitus, clicks, or “sand” sensation.
- • Recurrent swelling after activity.
- • Stiffness after sitting or in the morning.
Exam + MRI define size, location, and stability to select the best option.
Treatments
- • Diagnostic arthroscopy and selective debridement.
- • Microfracture or marrow stimulation when indicated.
- • Grafts/implants in selected cases; chondroplasty in specific lesions.
- • Rehab protocols to protect the repair.
Goal: reduce pain and slow arthritis, protecting healthy tissue.
Next steps
If you suspect cartilage damage, book an evaluation. I’ll review your images and define whether conservative care or an arthroscopic repair makes sense.
Book an evaluation
