Knee Cartilage

The main reason to have a total knee replacement is because of severe pain that is due to extensive loss of articular cartilage.

Wear of articular cartilage can be seen on x-rays as a decrease in the space between the bones. In general, extensive loss of articular cartilage is accompanied by extensive loss of meniscal cartilage. When the cartilage is completely worn away, the x-rays show that the bones are now in direct contact.

A partial meniscectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a piece of torn cartilage in the knee joint. Arthroscopic surgery is often recommended if the torn meniscus is becoming bothersome to the patient.

How is the damaged knee cartilage removed?

The torn meniscus can be removed using a number of different instruments, including small shavers and scissors. The arthroscope will also allow your surgeon to inspect the rest of the knee joint looking for signs of arthritis, loose pieces of cartilage in the knee, the ligaments of the knee, and other problems inside the joint.