This case demonstrates a typical scenario for which subchondroplasty may be attempted, as well as expected imaging findings.

Initial presentation with focal knee pain out of proportion to x-ray findings, and so MRI was obtained. Because MR findings of insufficiency fracture correlated to patient's symptoms, and after trial of non-operative management (intra-articular steroid injection and offloader brace) did not mitigate symptoms, it was decided to pursue subchondroplasty for pain relief and to prevent articular collapse.

Post-operatively, patient continued with daily pain from 4/10 to 8/10.