The logic of abrasion arthroplasty
The word 'arthroplasty' means 'reshaping of the joint'. 'Abrasion' means to 'grind down'. So the term abrasion arthroplasty implies a surgical procedure to reshape the joint by grinding down the damaged surface.
However, the procedure is now considered to be one of the 'marrow stimulation' procedures whereby the abrading leads to the release of mesenchymal stem cells from the underlying bone marrow, and that these have the potential to repair to some extent the damaged cartilage.
"Abrasion arthroplasty is used for cartilage lesions of any grade....it is easy to perform especially if cartilage lesions are seen during a diagnostic procedure. For most other marrow-stimulating procedures, special drills have to be used whereas [arthroscopic abrasion arthroplasty] can be performed with a shaver."