Chondroplasty

A surgical procedure used to repair a small area of damaged cartilage in the knee.

Enquiries & Appointments

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What is a chondroplasty?

An chondroplasty smooths over loose, roughened surface cartilage covering your bone.

It is normally an option for mild cartilage wear and is done as arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery, and is best placed for mechanical symptoms such as clicking and catching.

Need to know

The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. Using a keyhole surgery technique called arthroscopy, a tiny camera is inserted into a small cut made at the front of your knee.

This lets your surgeon see and remove the damaged area of cartilage.

Before the procedure, your consultant will suggest a MRI to examine your knee and decide the best procedure for you. Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

\When surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, the team will let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking before surgery. Like all procedures, there are risks and side effects may be encountered. Your consultant will explain these to you.

You should be able to go home the same day as your surgery. You may need to use crutches for several days after you leave hospital. Your consultant will tell you when you can start bearing weight on your knee again.

The physiotherapy team may also recommend some exercises to help to build strength back in your knee. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.

Our Chondroplasty consultants

Mr Mazin Ibrahim

Mr Mazin Ibrahim

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr Richard Carrington

Mr Richard Carrington

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr William Bartlett

Mr William Bartlett

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr Matthew J Welck

Mr Matthew J Welck

Orthopaedic Surgery

Our Chondroplasty locations

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.