Knee Abrasion Arthroplasty in combination with a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is alternative to traditional knee replacement surgery. Because knee replacements last between 10 to 20 years, knee abrasion arthroplasty should be considered for patients below 60 years of age.

In Knee Abrasion Arthroplasty no prosthetics are attached permanently to the end of the bones. Rather the end of the bones (femur and tibia) are removed with a burr to the depth of about 1 mm. In an attempt to heal themselves, the bones slowly exude a substance, which will eventually replace the lost cartiledge. Although this material is a bit harder than the original cartiledge, it works quite well.

This is a two stage operation and requires partial rest and rehabilitation of the knee for two months. In the first stage the abrasion takes place, along with the placement of a metal brace. In the second stage, the metal brace is removed. Also this operation is considerably more expensive than the normal knee replacement surgery.