Cartilage Injuries & Treatment

Articular cartilage is the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of bones within a joint. It allows the joint surfaces to glide smoothly with minimal friction and helps absorb the stresses generated during daily activities and sports.

Damage to this cartilage can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced function, and, if left untreated, may progress to arthritis. Advances in modern orthopaedic surgery now offer several cartilage preservation and restoration procedures aimed at repairing damaged cartilage and protecting long-term joint health.

What is Articular Cartilage?

Articular cartilage is a specialised tissue that covers the ends of bones within joints such as the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and elbow. Healthy cartilage provides:

• Smooth joint movement
• Shock absorption
• Load distribution
• Joint protection
• Improved mobility

What Causes Articular Cartilage Injuries?

Symptoms of Cartilage Damage

The symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the cartilage injury. Common symptoms are:

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Clicking or catching sensations
• Locking episodes
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty with sports and exercise
• Recurrent joint swelling after activity

Common Sites of Articular Cartilage Injuries

• Knee joint — the most commonly affected joint
• Patella (kneecap)
• Hip joint
• Shoulder joint
• Ankle joint
• Elbow joint

How are Cartilage Injuries Diagnosed?

Articular cartilage injuries are diagnosed with a thorough clinical assessment evaluating pain location, joint stability, swelling, range of movement, and associated ligament or meniscal injuries. Imaging investigations include X-rays, MRI scan, and CT scan in selected cases. MRI is particularly valuable for assessing cartilage damage and planning treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Cartilage Injuries

Many patients benefit from conservative treatment, including:

• Activity modification
• Physiotherapy
• Weight management
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing in selected cases
• Injection therapies

Orthobiologic Treatments

Selected patients may benefit from Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Growth Factor Therapy, and other regenerative medicine options. These treatments aim to reduce symptoms and support joint preservation.

Types of Cartilage Restoration Surgeries

When symptoms persist or cartilage damage is significant, surgical treatment may be recommended. The goal is to preserve the joint, restore function, and delay or prevent arthritis progression.

Arthroscopic Cartilage Procedures

Modern minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery allows treatment through small keyhole incisions.

• Chondroplasty — removal of unstable cartilage fragments to improve joint function and reduce symptoms.
• Microfracture Surgery — small holes are created in the bone beneath the cartilage defect to stimulate healing and formation of repair tissue. Best suited for smaller cartilage defects in selected patients.

Advanced Cartilage Restoration Procedures

• Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS) — healthy cartilage and bone are transferred from a non-weight-bearing area to the damaged region.
• Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation — used for larger defects where donor cartilage and bone may be required.
• Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) — a specialised procedure where the patient's own cartilage cells are harvested, cultured, and re-implanted into the defect.
• Matrix-Assisted Cartilage Repair — advanced techniques designed to support cartilage regeneration and restoration.

Cartilage Injuries Associated with Other Conditions

Cartilage damage frequently occurs alongside:

• ACL injuries
• PCL injuries
• Meniscal tears
• Patellar instability
• Joint malalignment

Treating these associated conditions is often essential for successful cartilage restoration.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes. Recovery depends on the size of the cartilage defect, location of injury, type of procedure performed, and patient age and activity level. Most rehabilitation programmes focus on:

• Protecting the repair
• Gradually restoring motion
• Strengthening surrounding muscles
• Progressive return to activity

Return to sports may take several months depending on the procedure performed.

Why Choose Dr Anand Jadhav?

Dr Anand Jadhav has extensive experience in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Surgery, Joint Preservation, and Cartilage Restoration Procedures. His expertise includes:

• Cartilage Repair & Restoration
• Meniscus Preservation Surgery
• ACL & PCL Reconstruction
• Patellofemoral Instability Surgery
• Sports Injury Management
• Ortho-biologics & Regenerative Medicine

Treatment plans are carefully individualised with the goal of preserving the patient's natural joint whenever possible.

Protect Your Joint Before Arthritis Develops