Does Knee Pain Caused By Cartilage Damage Need Surgery?

Hi sir,

This query is regarding my mother's (67 yrs) knee pain. She is suffering from severe knee pain. I consulted one of the doctor at my native, he told us that the catridge in the knee gone bad and she needs one small operation. Where they will make a small hole in the bone and they will clean the area in around of bone and also they will come to know about how much bone has got damaged and by doing this operation the some liquid flow (within bone) will increase and she will suffer less than what is she been suffering now.

Please let us know, whether we have to go for this surgery or not. and what's your opinion on this..please suggest

Thanks
Ameet H.