Subchondroplasty Procedure
- A new technique to treat the cause of pain in osteoarthritis (which is due to a bone marrow abnormality in the area under the articular cartilage loss)
- Bone marrow abnormality occurs as it is unable to take the weight/stress and becomes permanently damaged
- MRI picks up the abnormality in the bone marrow which is called bone marrow oedema (lesion)
- Bone marrow lesion must be present for 3 months so a repeat scan may be required
- Technique involves decompressing this area and injecting Calcium Phosphate filler under X-Ray control
- Arthroscopy is undertaken at the same time to ensure no filler leakage into the joint
- Pain may initially increase but then reduces within a week and patient avoids or delays the requirement for joint replacement
- Early results are very good with over 100,000 cases performed in the US already. Paul performed the first cases and has the largest experience in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have compiled answers to several faqs for the procedure:
Subchondroplasty Procedure
Before your outpatient appointment at 2 weeks post-op – depending on whether major articular cartilage repair has been undertaken if so, then 6 weeks post-op.
One can fly post op but one needs to be aware of their own mobility status and increased DVT risk within the first 6 weeks of any lower limb surgery. We recommend you discuss this with your surgeon.
2-3 weeks post-op, when you can perform an emergency stop safely and you are off crutches.
2 weeks with a graduated return over the next 4 weeks.
You will have limited mobility and walking times/distances for 6 weeks, a graduated return to work at 4 weeks, a full commute at 6 weeks, a bike/pool at 4 weeks, a walk/run programme at 4 months and full competitive sports at 8-10 months.
You will need to use crutches for 2-4 weeks but walking distances will increase following this.
2 weeks post procedure and with the advice from your physiotherapist.