Can a orthopedic tell if you have arthritis during knee surgery? i had plica removal and chondroplasty

Yes: Absolutely. It sounds like you had an arthroscopic knee surgery. During that surgery, the orthopedist directly sees the state of the cartilage in your knee. It is the most sensitive way to evaluate the degree of arthritis in your knee. Thank you for your question.

Yes: I am assuming that you are referring to arthroscopic knee surgery. During this surgery, the articular surfaces are well visualized. Worn cartilage can therefore be seen. If you are referring to inflammatory arthritis, the soft tissues within the knee would show evidence of this as well.

Easily.: Not only can he or she tell but you can also document it by taking arthroscopic pictures to show you at your follow-up.

Yes.: Your surgeon should have inspected the entire knee and documented any degree of arthritis.