Knee Cartilage Damage and Repair

Understanding Knee Cartilage Damage

Cartilage is the smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions your joints and allows for smooth, pain-free movement. In the knee, this includes both the articular cartilage covering the ends of bones and the meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. When this cartilage becomes damaged—due to injury, overuse, or arthritis—it can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Cartilage does not heal easily, so early diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential to preserve joint function and delay or avoid more extensive surgery.

Common Causes of Cartilage Damage

• Sports injuries or trauma

• Overuse from repetitive activity

• Degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis

• Joint misalignment or instability

• Previous knee surgeries or meniscus injuries

Symptoms of Cartilage Damage

• Persistent or sharp knee pain

• Swelling or joint stiffness

• Clicking or locking sensation

• Limited range of motion

• Instability or a feeling of the knee “giving out”

Cartilage Repair and Restoration Procedures

At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, our knee specialists offer a variety of advanced procedures to treat and restore cartilage damage, including:

• Knee arthroscopy – This is a minimally invasive procedure to assess and treat cartilage tears or loose fragments.

• Microfracture – Creates small holes in the bone to stimulate new cartilage growth.

• Chondroplasty – Smoothing damaged cartilage to reduce friction.

• Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS) – Transfers healthy cartilage from a non-weightbearing area of the joint.

• Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) – Uses your own cells to regrow cartilage in damaged areas.

• Meniscus Repair or Transplant – Preserves or replaces the meniscus for joint cushioning and protection.

• Physical Therapy and Non-Surgical Management – For mild cases, rehab and activity modification can relieve symptoms.

Personalized Joint Preservation Plans

Not every patient with cartilage damage requires surgery. Our team will evaluate the extent of your injury and work with you to create a customized treatment plan—balancing non-surgical care, injections, physical therapy, and, if necessary, surgical options—to protect your knee and keep you moving.