Knee Pain
Expert Orthopaedic Care in Brisbane
Knee pain and restricted mobility can interfere with work, sport, and everyday comfort. Whether caused by injury, wear-and-tear, or cartilage breakdown, many knee conditions may be treated with minimally invasive techniques.
At Ortho ARC in Brisbane, we offer knee arthroscopy, cartilage repair, and grafting procedures designed to restore joint function and help you return to the activities you love. If your GP or family doctor has referred you for further assessment, our orthopaedic team is here to help.
Understanding Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. It involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to clearly visualise and address the underlying issue.
It's often used when patients experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent or recurring knee pain
- Swelling or stiffness
- Clicking, locking, or catching in the joint
- Limited range of motion
- Pain during activity or weight-bearing
These can signal conditions such as cartilage injury, meniscal tears, ligament damage, or early arthritis.
About Dr Blake Fidock
MBBS (Hons. 1), MTrauma (Ortho), FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Common Cartilage Injuries & Who's at Risk
Cartilage injuries often result from:
- Sports or traumatic injuries
- Repetitive stress from certain occupations
- Age-related degeneration
- Instability from previous ligament damage
People managed under chronic health management programmes or disease management plans, particularly those with osteoarthritis or inflammatory joint conditions, may also experience cartilage deterioration.
Cartilage has limited ability to heal on its own, so early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving long-term joint function.
What is Cartilage Repair & Grafting Surgery?
During knee arthroscopy, surgeons may perform a range of procedures to treat cartilage injuries and promote healing. Options include:
- Debridement and Chondroplasty
- Smooths rough or frayed cartilage
- Removes loose fragments
- Microfracture Surgery
- Tiny holes are made in the bone beneath the cartilage
- Encourages the formation of new cartilage-like tissue
- Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS)
- Transfers healthy cartilage and bone from a non-weight-bearing area to the damaged site
- Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
- Uses donor cartilage to restore large or deep defects
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
- Patient's own cartilage cells are harvested, cultured, and implanted
The chosen cartilage surgical procedure depends on your age, activity level, size and location of the defect, and goals for recovery.
Recovery after Knee Arthroscopy & Cartilage Surgery
Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of your procedure. For many, arthroscopy is a day procedure with a return to light activity in days to weeks.
Typical Recovery Timeline:
- Rest, elevation, and ice during initial healing
- Use of crutches or a knee brace as advised
- Physiotherapy begins early to restore motion and strength
- You should be able to return to normal activities over 6–12 weeks
- Full healing of grafts or repairs may take several months
Your recovery will be closely monitored in conjunction with your family doctor or GP to ensure your progress stays on track.
Cost & Medicare Cover
We understand many patients have cost-related questions. Arthroscopy and cartilage repair may be eligible for:
- Medicare rebates (for medically indicated procedures)
- Private health insurance coverage (hospital and surgical fees)
During your consultation, our team will provide a full breakdown of expected costs and help you prepare any documentation required by your GP or medical centre.
Why Choose Ortho ARC?
At Ortho ARC, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques and tailor each treatment plan to the individual. Whether you're an athlete, active retiree, or experiencing long-term knee pain, our aim is to help restore comfort, movement, and quality of life.
We work collaboratively with doctors and medical centres, offering care that supports the needs of both men and women across all life stages.
With precision surgery, personalised follow-up, and advanced cartilage regeneration techniques, we strive to deliver results that may help improve your condition.
Take the Next Step
If you're struggling with persistent knee pain or stiffness, knee arthroscopy and cartilage repair may help provide relief and support restoration. Early intervention can be beneficial in many cases.
Contact Ortho ARC today to book your consultation and explore your options for improving knee joint health.
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