Cartilage Injuries & Disorders

see also Meniscal Tears
see also Osteoarthritis
see also Rheumatoid Arthritis

Whether the cause is trauma or disease, damage to articular cartilage - the smooth cushion that lines the end of the bones where they meet at the joints - can cause significant pain and weakness.

Articular cartilage lines the ends of our joint surfaces and is composed of cells called chondrocytes with a matrix or scaffolding made of collagen and proteins. In healthy joints, this unique and durable material allows bones to move against one another with minimal friction.

When areas of cartilage are worn away or torn away, exposing underlying (subchondral) bone, treatment is designed to fill in the missing area or defect with healthy articular cartilage and provide new protection for the joint surface.

Overview

Treatment

Related Conditions