Kneecap Surgery: Cartilage Removal

Surgery may be used when pain severely limits your activities. Or it may be done when a rehab program just isn't helping enough. Some procedures may be done using arthroscopy. This method uses tiny incisions and special instruments to look and work inside the knee joint. Other procedures require open surgery.

Cartilage Removal

Damaged cartilage is removed from the back of the kneecap or from the groove in the thighbone. This is often done using arthroscopy.

Debriding

This removes damaged cartilage. This creates a smoother surface between the kneecap and thighbone.

Burring

This is done when the cartilage is worn down to the bone. Burring into the bone reaches the blood supply. This makes a new fibrous covering grow.