Joint Pain? Subchondroplasty Keeps Some Out of Operating Room

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Aug. 24, 2016 - PRLog -- Dr. Bright McConnell of Charleston Sports Medicine offers subchondroplasty for some patients experiencing joint pain.  Subchondroplasty is a minimally-invasive surgery that targets and treats subchondral defects associated with chronic Bone Marrow Lesions (BML), an often-painful defect of the spongy cancellous bone that underlies and supports the cartilage of the joint.

Some quick facts about Subchondroplasty include:
— Utilizes a minimally invasive technique
— Performed in a outpatient setting
— Requires a short rehabilitation period
— Future treatment options, such as total knee replacement, remain open

Despite negative x-rays and physical examination, when Bone Marrow Lesions (BMLs) are the cause of pain, the minimally invasive Subchondroplasty Procedure may relieve the pain.

Candidates for the procedure have:
— Symptomatic knee pain for 3+ months
— Discomfort when walking or standing
— Limited benefits from NSAIDs, bracing, injections or physical therapy
— Symptoms that returned after an arthroscopy

How are BMLs diagnosed?

BMLs can only be seen on certain MRI sequences, where they are marked by edmatous or "inflamed" areas that have been shown to represent a healing response surrounding a microscopic insufficiency fracture within the subchondral bone. The bright white areas on an MRI show stress in the bone that is a result of micro-cracks.  These cracks can be the result of early arthritis.


BMLs are the cause of pain, the minimally invasive Subchondroplasty Procedure may relieve the pain.  BMLs can only be seen on certain MRI sequences, where they are marked by edmatous or "inflamed" areas that have been shown to represent a healing response surrounding a microscopic insufficiency fracture within the subchondral bone. The bright white areas on an MRI show stress in the bone that is a result of micro-cracks.  These cracks can be the result of early arthritis.   Many patients delay or avoid progressing to more-invasive procedures such as total joint replacement. However, results of any surgical procedure vary from patient to patient.

How is Subchondroplasty performed?

The procedure is usually performed along with arthroscopy (image guided) of the affected joint, allowing Dr. McConnell to see and treat lesions inside the joint that may also be causing pain. Subchondroplasty is a mini-open procedure that provides patients a treatment option between conservative therapies and surgical intervention, such as joint replacement.


Interested patients can contact Charleston Sports Medicine for a consultation to see if they are a candidate for the Subchondroplasty procedure for joint pain relief. Dr. McConnell will do a complete assessment of possible risks before deciding if this procedure is a good fit.  Learn more:  http://www.charlestonsportsmed.com/blog