Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Arthroscopic radiofrequency chondroplasty for discrete chondral defects of the knee in June 2014.
Description
Discrete chondral defects in articular cartilage usually occur as a result of trauma. The rough, irregular edges of a defect may cause inflammation, swelling, pain and difficulty walking. Progressive degeneration of a chondraldefect can expose the underlying bone and lead to arthritis. If pieces of cartilage break off from the edges of a chondral defect, this may cause cartilage damage elsewhere in the knee and lead to further arthritic changes.
Treatment options depend on the size and site of the chondral defect. The condition is usually chronic and different treatment strategies may be needed at different stages. Conservative treatment includes analgesics to relieve pain and inflammation. Physiotherapy and/or prescribed exercise may be used to improve knee function and mobility.
Coding recommendations
W83.5 Endoscopic articular thermal chondroplasty
Y13.4 Radiofrequency controlled thermal destruction of lesion of organ NOC
Z84.6 Knee joint
Z94.- Laterality of operation