Cartilage Injuries
What is cartilage?
Cartilage is smooth endcap at the end of many bones and joints. It has a number of different functions, including shock absorption, joint lubrication, and allowing our joints to bend back and forth. Cartilage is found in all of our joints, from large joints such as the knee, hip, and shoulder, to smaller joints such as those in our hands and feet.
How do cartilage injuries occur?
Unlike bones and muscles, injuries to cartilage either do not heal or take a much longer time to heal because cartilage does not have its own blood supply. Cartilage injuries can occur in patients of all age groups. In athletes, this often occurs after a direct blow during collision sports, such as during football, soccer, or basketball. Cartilage injuries can also occur after prolonged wear and tear and after many years of heavy use on the joints.
What are the symptoms of cartilage injury?
Like other injuries, cartilage injuries can be associated with significant pain and swelling on the joint. It can be difficult to distinguish between cartilage injury and injury to other structures, such as ligaments or the meniscus in the knee. Patients may have continued swelling and pain when bearing weight or with activity.
Treatment of cartilage injuries can vary depending on a number of factors. These include patient-related factors such as age and activity level, and factors related to the cartilage defect including size and location.
Treatment for cartilage injuries include:
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Marrow stimulation
- Chondrocyte (cartilage cell) transfer (MACI)
- Osteoarticular (bone and cartilage) transfer (OATS)
Dependable Orthopaedic Surgeons
Whether you’re concerned about a cartilage injury, or are in search of other orthopaedic services, schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic specialists at one of our seven convenient locations throughout the Triangle.