Knee Chondropathy
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
Book Appointment
Knee chondropathy is a condition characterised by damage to the articular cartilage of the knee. Cartilage is a smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of the bones within joints and helps them glide smoothly against each other. When cartilage becomes worn, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced knee mobility. In the knee, it commonly occurs in the patella and is called patellar chondropathy. Chondropathy is one of the most common causes of knee pain.
Knee Chondropathy – Causes
The most common causes of knee chondropathy are:
Age: Chondropathy is more common in individuals over 40 years old, as cartilage naturally wears down over time. However, chondropathy can also frequently occur in younger individuals.
Injuries: A knee injury, such as a sprain or a blow, can damage the cartilage.
Overuse: Excessive use of the knee, such as during sports activities or heavy work, can damage the cartilage.
Poor knee alignment: Knees that are naturally bow-legged or knock-kneed have a higher risk of developing chondropathy.
Obesity: Obesity increases the load placed on the knee and may sometimes cause chondropathy.
Knee Chondropathy – Symptoms
The symptoms of knee chondropathy may vary depending on the severity of the damage. The most common symptoms include:
Knee pain, which may be acute or chronic
Swelling of the knee
Stiffness
Reduced knee mobility
Grinding sensation – noise in the knee during movement
Knee Chondropathy – Diagnosis
A patient with knee – patellar chondropathy requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. Occasionally, further investigations such as plain X-rays or an MRI scan may be required to investigate other possible causes of the symptoms and to assess the severity of the damage.
Once the diagnosis has been established, the doctor will discuss with you the recommended treatment options.
Knee Chondropathy – Conservative Treatment
Treatment of knee chondropathy depends on the severity of the damage. Mild cases are mainly treated conservatively with:
Physiotherapy to strengthen the knee muscles
Anti-inflammatory medication
Injection therapy with biological factors (PRP), hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids.
Knee Chondropathy – Surgical Treatment
More severe cases may require surgical intervention. Surgical procedures that can be performed for the treatment of knee chondropathy include:
Knee arthroscopy: for debridement (smoothing of the cartilage), removal of loose bodies, and in more advanced cases, chondroplasty. Chondroplasty is a technique in which the surgeon cleans the damaged area and, where necessary, attempts to stimulate the bone to produce a type of new cartilage. During knee arthroscopy, any associated injuries are also treated (such as meniscus tear).
Knee arthroplasty: In very advanced cases that cannot be treated arthroscopically, a definitive solution is provided with minimally invasive fast track knee arthroplasty.
Knee Chondropathy – Prevention
Prevention of knee chondropathy includes:
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Strengthening the muscles around the knee
Proper sports technique with appropriate training to prevent injuries
Using proper footwear during exercise
With appropriate prevention and treatment, most patients with knee chondropathy can regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Knee Chondropathy – When Can I Return to Sports?
Every case is different, and recovery time depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. During rehabilitation, you can try another form of exercise, such as swimming. Take the necessary time to recover and do not return to training until you have fully recovered in order to avoid recurrence. When returning to your sport, it is important to gradually increase intensity, always combined with proper warm-up and stretching.
If you have persistent and severe knee pain or have been diagnosed with chondropathy, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. For more information and appointments, please contact us.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.