Chondral defects are localized areas of damaged cartilage within joints, most commonly the knee. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and impaired movement, and if left untreated, may lead to early arthritis. Dr. Gautam Kodikal specializes in advanced treatment techniques to repair or regenerate cartilage, helping patients preserve joint function and delay or avoid joint replacement.
Chondral injuries can result from:
Acute trauma such as falls or sports injuries
Repetitive joint stress and overuse
Underlying conditions like osteochondritis dissecans
Degenerative wear-and-tear with aging
Depending on the size and location of the defect, patients may experience:
Joint pain, especially with movement or load-bearing
Swelling and inflammation around the joint
Clicking or catching sensation in the joint
Limited range of motion and joint stiffness
Treatment is based on the severity and extent of the defect, patient age, and activity level. Dr. Kodikal offers:
Non-surgical options: physiotherapy, medications, activity modification
Arthroscopic Debridement – smoothing rough cartilage edges to reduce pain
Microfracture – stimulating cartilage regrowth by creating tiny holes in the bone
Osteochondral Grafting – transplanting healthy cartilage and bone to fill the defect
Advanced techniques like Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) in select cases
Expert in cartilage preservation and joint preservation techniques
Specialized in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries
Personalized rehab protocols for faster and complete recovery
If you’re experiencing knee pain or reduced joint function, early treatment can make all the difference. Book a consultation with Dr. Gautam Kodikal for comprehensive cartilage injury evaluation and advanced care in Bangalore.