Arthroscopic radiofrequency chondroplasty for discrete chondral defects of the knee

The procedure

Radiofrequency chondroplasty for small defects in knee cartilage aims to reduce damage to the knee joint. It uses heat to smooth out the rough edges of any defects.

The procedure is usually done with the patient under a general anaesthetic and by keyhole surgery. A long, thin, tube-shaped instrument with a camera on the end is inserted through small cuts around the knee. Using a video monitor to see what they're doing, the surgeon then introduces a radiofrequency probe and uses this to heat and smooth any defects and rough edges in the cartilage.