Articular Cartilage Surgery

Management of Articular Cartilage Defects

Articular cartilage in the knee is a very highly organised tissue that allows low friction movement of joints. Articular cartilage lines the surfaces of the joints. It is made of cartilage cells (chondrocytes) and the tissue that the cells produce (the matrix). It has a high water content.

Unfortunately it has a poor capacity for healing. Damage from trauma (injury) or wear and tear can lead to significant joint problems and impaired joint function.

Treatments have been developed to limit the impact of cartilage damage with regard to: the amount of pain in the knee; the rate of progression of wear and tear changes developing within the knee and reduced function of the knee.

These techniques are used for the treatment of limited damaged areas and isolated ulcers of cartilage within the knee and not for more widespread osteoarthritis.

A cartilage ulcer on the femoral condyle – see below for post treatment picture.

Articular Cartilage Surgery