Subchondroplasty is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat bone marrow lesions (BMLs), a common source of joint pain and discomfort. By injecting a bone substitute material into the affected area, this technique helps promote healing, strengthen the bone, and relieve pain without the need for major surgery. Often used for patients with early-stage osteoarthritis or chronic joint pain, Subchondroplasty can provide long-term relief and improve mobility.
What Is Subchondroplasty?
Subchondroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in joints, most commonly the knee, hip, and ankle. BMLs are areas of weakened or damaged bone beneath the cartilage, often linked to osteoarthritis or bone stress injuries. These lesions can cause inflammation and joint pain, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and a lower quality of life. Subchondroplasty helps strengthen the bone, providing pain relief and improved function, preventing further joint degeneration, and allowing for a faster recovery than traditional surgical options. With its ability to treat underlying bone issues, it offers a non-invasive approach to improving joint health.
Benefits of Subchondroplasty
Subchondroplasty has many benefits for those with joint pain from bone marrow lesions. It helps ease discomfort, restore movement, and promote long-term joint health. Consider the following benefits:
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure uses small incisions. This reduces surgical trauma and scarring. It also promotes faster healing, helping patients return to their routines with less disruption.
- Pain Relief: Treating the root cause of joint pain, like bone marrow lesions, helps many patients find lasting relief. This improvement allows them to enjoy physical activities comfortably.
- Improved Mobility: Less pain and inflammation help restore joint function. This boosts overall mobility, so patients can move more freely and handle daily tasks with ease.
- Faster Recovery: Subchondroplasty usually offers a shorter recovery time than traditional joint surgeries. Patients can return to their daily activities sooner, often without needing long physical therapy or rehab.
- Joint Preservation: Subchondroplasty keeps the natural joint structure. This can delay or even prevent the need for joint replacement surgeries. It offers long-term benefits for joint health and function.
Who Is a Candidate for Subchondroplasty?
Subchondroplasty works best for people with joint pain from bone marrow lesions. Common candidates include those with:
- Osteoarthritis: Patients with early-to-moderate-stage osteoarthritis who have not responded to conservative treatments.
- Bone Stress Injuries: People with stress fractures or pain from bone stress injuries.
- Persistent Joint Pain: Patients with ongoing joint pain that restricts movement and daily tasks.
This procedure may not be appropriate for individuals with advanced osteoarthritis or extensive cartilage damage. A complete evaluation, including MRI scans, is key to deciding if subchondroplasty is the best treatment.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Subchondroplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, meaning most patients can go home the same day. Depending on the joint being treated, local or general anesthesia may be used.
During the Procedure: After anesthesia is administered, the surgeon makes a small incision near the affected joint. Using fluoroscopic imaging for guidance, a special bone substitute material is injected directly into the bone marrow lesion (BML). This material hardens quickly, stabilizing the bone and reducing pain. The incision is then closed with sutures or surgical tape.
After the Procedure: Patients are monitored briefly before being discharged with post-care instructions. Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the injection site are common but usually resolve within a few days. Over time, the body naturally replaces the injected material with healthy bone tissue, strengthening the joint and potentially delaying or preventing the need for joint replacement surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery and rehab after subchondroplasty are usually quicker and less invasive than traditional joint surgeries. While the procedure is minimally invasive, patients should follow a detailed rehab plan for the best results. Initially, patients may be advised to rest and avoid weight-bearing activities for a short period to allow the joint to heal properly.
Physical therapy often starts shortly after the procedure. It helps restore mobility, strengthen nearby muscles, and improve flexibility. Patients can slowly increase their activity as they heal. Most can return to normal daily activities in just a few weeks. During recovery, eating well, drinking enough water, and going to follow-up appointments is important. These steps help support healing and lead to lasting pain relief.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any medical procedure, subchondroplasty carries some risks, although complications are rare. Potential risks include:
- Infection: Though the risk is low, infection is still a possibility. Following post-procedure care instructions helps minimize this risk. Look for signs like redness or swelling. If you notice these, contact your doctor.
- Bleeding or Bruising: Seeing minor bleeding or bruising at the injection site is normal. This usually goes away in a few days. Ice and elevation can help speed up recovery.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: The procedure uses imaging to lower the risk of injury to nerves or blood vessels. However, there is still a small chance of temporary damage.
- Incomplete Pain Relief: Some patients might not feel full relief. Other issues may cause their joint pain. This could mean they need more treatments.
- Stiffness or Limited Range of Motion: You might feel temporary stiffness after the procedure. This usually goes away with physical therapy and rehab.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing joint pain or bone marrow lesions, Subchondroplasty could be the solution you need to regain mobility and relieve discomfort. This minimally invasive procedure helps to repair damaged bones, providing lasting relief and potentially avoiding the need for joint replacement surgery. Dr. Peter Howard, M.D. and his expert team are committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about Subchondroplasty or want to know if this procedure is right for you, contact us today. We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through the treatment process, and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your joint health.