Knee Cartilage Defect

• MRI of the knee showing the defect's size, depth, location and the state of the surrounding cartilage, meniscus and ligaments.
• Standing weight-bearing X-rays, plus long-leg alignment views if you have bowed legs or knock knees.
• Operation notes from any earlier knee arthroscopy, microfracture or cartilage procedure.
• Records of physiotherapy, injections and pain and activity scores, plus your occupation and sporting demands.
• Your height, weight and BMI, and smoking status, which influence the likelihood of cartilage healing.

1. How large and deep is my defect, and are the nearby surfaces healthy?
2. Would microfracture, grafting or cell-based repair suit my defect size and age?
3. Do my leg alignment or ligaments need correcting at the same time?
4. How long will I be on crutches, and when can I return to sport or work?
5. What is the realistic chance of pain relief, and how long does the repair last?
6. What happens if the repair fails?

Outcomes depend on defect size, location, patient age, body weight and whether alignment and ligaments are also addressed. Microfracture can give good short-term relief in small defects but tends to wear after several years. Cell-based and graft procedures generally last longer in larger defects. Recovery is slow, often six to twelve months before sport, and cartilage repair does not always prevent later arthritis.