Subchondroplasty

You may be a candidate for subchondroplasty if you're dealing with knee pain linked to bone changes rather than a soft tissue or ligament injury. Common reasons include: 

• Persistent knee pain that hasn't improved with rest or physical therapy
• Imaging findings showing bone marrow edema or lesions in the knee
• A diagnosed subchondral insufficiency fracture
• Knee pain that worsens with weight bearing or activity
• Ongoing discomfort following a minor injury that doesn't fully resolve 

Your care team will review your imaging and symptoms to confirm whether subchondroplasty is the right approach for your knee pain. 

Treatment for bone marrow lesions and subchondral insufficiency fractures depends on the severity of your symptoms and imaging findings. Options include: 

Nonsurgical

• Rest, activity modification, bracing and physical therapy for milder cases
• Anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and swelling

Surgical

• Subchondroplasty, a minimally invasive knee surgery that injects calcium phosphate material into the affected bone to provide support and relieve pain
• Arthroscopic evaluation performed alongside subchondroplasty when needed to assess the joint 

Your physician will discuss which option best matches your condition and activity level. 

Recovery after subchondroplasty varies depending on your individual case, but generally follows a gradual return to activity: 

• Initial rest and limited weight bearing as directed by your surgeon
• Gradual increase in activity over several weeks
• Physical therapy to support strength and mobility in the knee
• Follow-up visits to monitor healing and progress 

Your care team will guide you through each stage of recovery and answer questions about your specific timeline.

As with any medical procedure, subchondroplasty carries some risks, which may include infection, bleeding or limited pain relief in certain cases. Your care team will review your health history and discuss any potential risks with you before moving forward, so you feel informed and prepared. They'll also answer any questions you have along the way.