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The
weight-bearing surface of the knee joint is covered in a
highly specialised articular hyaline cartilage. This
surface allows near friction free movement and absorbs the
normal loading that occurs with daily activities. If an acute
injury or chronic degeneration damages this surface, the
cartilage roughens and causes local irritation. Sometimes a
crackling sound or sensation may be present. As the cartilage
deteriorates the knee itself can become swollen as the
synovial joint lining produces increased amounts of synovial
fluid.
These
rough areas of articular cartilage can be smoothed by using an
arthroscopic ‘shaver’. This removes any loose or roughened
areas leaving a smooth articulating surface, thus reducing the
local irritation |
