Chondroplasty of the Patella Chondroplasty of the patella is a procedure for encouraging the formation of new scar cartilage or fibrous cartilage in the knee as an aid to healing. Chondroplasty is a surgical procedure to correct uneven surfaces, tears, loose fragments, or damage from arthritis in the knee joint. In addition to removing abnormal cartilage and loose fragments in the joint, the main purpose of chondroplasty is to initiate a healing scar tissue response. This improves function of the knee joint and relieves pain. Although there is no real cure for arthritis, chondroplasty may significantly delay the progression of arthritis. When arthritis or chondral surface injury is present, the white shiny padded Hylan cartilage is injured or partially absent. Because this cartilage does not have a blood supply, it will not heal on its own. When used for the treatment of arthritis, chondroplasty involves drilling holes in the area of arthritis to create little microfractures. This promotes the formation of scar tissue and begins the healing process. The microfractures cause bleeding just underneath the area of injury. This permits scar tissue to grow in and around this region and fill in the gap for healing to take place. The scar tissue is necessary for the formation of cartilage cells that are needed to give the joint surface its strength and stability. The synovial fluid provides nourishment for these cartilage cells to grow. The more synovial fluid present on the surface of the new tissue, the more cartilage cells will grow inside the soft tissue matrix. Chondroplasty of the patella may be performed in an outpatient surgical center by an orthopedic surgeon. The procedure may be done under local or regional anesthesia and IV sedation, or general anesthesia with the patient deep asleep. Patients should consult their surgeon for a complete explanation of the procedure and its associated risks and complications.