Repair of Osteochondral or Chondral Defects
Repair of Osteochondral or Chondral Defect surgery may be required depending on the defect’s size and location, and a person’s age, activity level, and symptom burden. Repair technique depends on the defect type and size, and may include chondroplasty (debridement), microfracture, and/or osteochondral defect repair.
Benefits of Surgery
Reduce Pain & Improve Function
By addressing the damaged cartilage +/- bone, these procedures alleviate pain, reduce friction, and improve the overall function and comfort of the affected knee joint.
Slow Down Arthritis Progression
Restoring or regenerating the joint surface can help protect the underlying bone and prevent further cartilage breakdown, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of more severe arthritis of the knee.
Enhance Joint Longevity
Preserving or improving the health of the articular cartilage contributes to the long-term health and functional lifespan of your natural joint, potentially postponing or avoiding the need for Knee Replacement.
Procedure Information
Dr Richmond has sub-specialist expertise in Arthroscopic Knee Surgery.
Following a thorough assessment, including physical examination, MRI, and consideration of your age and activity level – surgery may be recommended.
The approach taken and advanced technique selected to repair an osteochondral or chondral defect, will depend on the size, location, and depth of the defect. Procedures are often performed arthroscopically (minimally invasive keyhole surgery) or via a small open incision, and may include:
Microfracture
Small holes are created in the bone beneath the defect to stimulate the growth of new fibrocartilage.
Osteochondral Autograft/Allograft Transplantation (OATS/OCA)
Healthy cartilage and bone plugs are transferred from a less weight-bearing area of your own knee (autograft) or from a donor (allograft) to fill the defect.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Your own cartilage cells are harvested, grown in a lab, and then reimplanted into the defect.
Localised areas of damaged cartilage and/or underlying bone in the joint, causing pain and limited movement.
Conditions Treated
During your consultation, Dr Richmond will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss all management options with you, including non-surgical treatments, so you can confidently decide on the right path forward.
Dr Bradley Richmond
Orthopaedic Surgeon - BHB, MBChB, FRACS (Orth)
Dr Bradley Richmond graduated as a Doctor from the University of Auckland in 2004 and trained as a general Orthopaedic Surgeon in New Zealand, obtaining fellowship of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2014. He then spent a further 18 months undertaking subspecialty fellowship training in Sydney, working with some of the most respected Knee and Shoulder surgeons in Australia.
For 10 years, until early 2026, Dr Richmond worked as a Staff Specialist at Rockhampton Hospital – providing public Orthopaedic care to Central Queenslanders, and providing training and supervision to Orthopaedic Trainees, Junior Doctors, and International Medical Graduate Specialists.
In April 2024, he commenced part-time private practice, and now does this full-time; focusing exclusively on his areas of specialist expertise – knee and shoulder surgery.
Operating Locations
Consulting Locations
