Chondromalacia surgery is usually an arthroscopic procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon as an outpatient surgical procedure. Depending on the severity of the damage, the procedure may need to be performed as an open knee procedure and require an overnight stay in the hospital.

Does chondromalacia go away?

Unlike the damage to cartilage caused by arthritis, damage caused by chondromalacia can often heal. Conservative treatment is usually recommended first since rest and physical therapy may eliminate the symptoms. First, the inflammation caused by chondromalacia must be allowed to subside.

How do you fix chondromalacia?

Resting, stabilizing, and icing the joint may be the first line of treatment. The cartilage damage resulting in runner's knee can often repair itself with rest. Your doctor may prescribe several weeks of anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation around the joint.