Chondral Defects in the Knee Treated in Arlington, VA
A chondral defect is a focused area of damage to articular cartilage. This smooth connective tissue coats and protects the bones in the knee joint, allowing them to glide smoothly against each other during movement. Articular cartilage also serves as a low-friction surface that allows the knee to withstand weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running and stair climbing.
Like a meniscal tear, a chondral defect can result from twisting or pivoting on a bent knee. This type of injury can also occur in a collision or fall; sometimes, it accompanies an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Prompt treatment is important because knee cartilage damage can worsen—or hasten the onset of—osteoarthritis.
For the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of a chondral defect, many athletes and other active individuals in the Arlington, Virginia, area turn to the board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC). Dating back to our founding in 1974, NOC has consistently been rated as one of the top orthopedic and sports medicine centers in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
What Are the Symptoms of a Chondral Defect?
A chondral defect can leave the bone surfaces in the knee unprotected and allow them to grind painfully together during movement. In addition to knee pain, swelling and stiffness, a chondral defect can cause a “catching” or “locking” sensation if a loose cartilage fragment is floating in the joint space.
At NOC, if we suspect a chondral defect based on the symptoms, our diagnostic process typically includes:
- A discussion of the circumstances surrounding the injury and the activities and movements that cause pain
- A health history review
- A physical examination, including an assessment of knee joint alignment, range of motion, stability and gait
- X-rays to rule out arthritis
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to evaluate soft tissues
- Knee arthroscopy to assess the extent and severity of the cartilage damage
How Is a Chondral Defect Treated?
The treatment options for a chondral defect can vary depending on the location and extent of the damage, but most patients begin with conservative therapy, such as activity modifications, ice pack applications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the knee. While these treatments cannot restore the damaged cartilage, they may alleviate the symptoms and improve knee function.
Surgery may be considered to address severe symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment. Over the last decade, the surgical treatment of damaged articular cartilage has advanced significantly, sometimes making it possible to prolong the natural lifespan of the knee joint, particularly in active patients.
If you would like to have your painful knee evaluated by an orthopedic specialist, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 today to schedule an appointment at our office in Arlington, VA.