Mechanical chondroplasty: early metabolic consequences in vitro.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the depth of penetration from mechanical chondroplasty and metabolic consequences of this procedure on the remaining articular cartilage.

Methods: Mechanical chondroplasty was performed in vitro on a portion of fresh grade I or II articular cartilage from 8 human knee arthroplasty specimens. Treated and control (untreated) explants (approximately 30 mg) were cut from the cartilage.