Repairing Knee Cartilage in Adelaide

Chondroplasty & Microfracture

Articular cartilage injuries can cause persistent knee pain, swelling, and catching, particularly in young athletes and active adults. Because cartilage has a limited natural ability to heal itself, specialised joint-preservation techniques are often required to repair the damage.

At Adelaide Knee Clinic, led by experienced Adelaide orthopaedic surgeon Dr Matthew Liptak, we utilise advanced restorative procedures like Chondroplasty and Microfracture to treat isolated cartilage defects and preserve natural joint function.

Understanding the Procedures

Both chondroplasty and microfracture are minimally invasive procedures performed using arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery. They are designed to address localised damage to the smooth, articular cartilage that coats the ends of the knee joint bones.

1. Knee Chondroplasty

Chondroplasty is essentially a smoothing procedure. When a patch of cartilage becomes frayed, torn, or unstable due to an injury or localized wear, it can create joint friction and catch during movement.

During the procedure, the surgeon uses fine, specialized instruments to gently trim away the loose, unstable fragments and smooth down the rough edges. This reduces friction inside the joint, helps alleviate localized catching or pain, and lowers the risk of the tear expanding.

2. Microfracture Surgery

Microfracture is a cartilage stimulation technique used when an injury has left a small patch of the joint bone completely bare.

After removing any damaged or unstable cartilage edges around the exposed bone, the surgeon uses a specialized tool to create a series of tiny, precise micro-channels (holes) in the hard outer surface of the bone. This process allows blood and bone marrow cells, which are rich in stem cells, to seep out and form a clot over the bare area. Over time, this specialized clot matures into a durable, new layer of fibrocartilage that covers the exposed bone and cushions the joint.

Is this procedure right for you?

Every knee is unique. During your clinical consultation, your doctor will thoroughly review your symptoms and joint imaging to determine whether this specific procedure is right for you, or discuss alternative treatment options that best suit your needs.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

At Adelaide Knee Clinic, we view surgery and rehabilitation as an inseparable partnership.

Dr Matthew Liptak firmly believes that the surgery is only part of the job the rest depends entirely on a committed, structured recovery. Achieving your mobility and long-term joint health goals requires an equal commitment to both phases.

Access Our Post-Operative Recovery Resources

Your recovery timeline depends heavily on which procedure is performed:

Following Chondroplasty: Because tissue regeneration is not required, recovery is typically faster. You can generally bear weight early, focusing on physical therapy to quickly restore range of motion and rebuild muscle strength.
Following Microfracture: Because the newly formed marrow clot needs absolute protection to biologically mature into cartilage, you will typically need to use crutches and remain strictly non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks.

Understanding Surgical Risks and Considerations

Every major surgical procedure carries inherent risks, and it is important to evaluate them objectively before proceeding. Potential complications associated with ACL reconstruction, while uncommon, can include localised infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), delayed wound healing, joint stiffness or loss of motion, graft failure or re-tear, kneecap pain, and temporary numbness around the incisions. Dr Liptak will thoroughly review these risks during your pre-operative appointment to ensure you can make a fully informed treatment choice.