Cartilage Injuries

Cartilage injuries occur when the cartilage that covers joint surfaces and allows bones to move smoothly against each other is damaged. They are most commonly seen in weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip, and ankle. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help preserve cartilage health and prevent the development of osteoarthritis in the future.

What Causes Cartilage Injuries?

Cartilage damage usually occurs due to the following factors:

Trauma: Sports injuries, falls, or direct impacts
Repetitive microtrauma: Especially in the knee and ankle, due to prolonged or repetitive loading
Overuse: Frequently seen in professional athletes
Age-related degeneration: Cartilage thins and weakens naturally with age
Joint-related diseases: Chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Secondary cartilage damage: Often develops alongside meniscus tears or ligament injuries

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of cartilage injuries often start gradually and worsen over time:

Joint pain, especially during weight-bearing activities
Grinding or catching sensations during movement
Stiffness in the affected joint
Swelling, particularly after activity
Locking sensation in the knee or other joints
Increased pain after prolonged standing or climbing stairs

As the condition progresses, joint movement may become limited, and overall quality of life can be affected.

Diagnostic Methods for Cartilage Injuries

Diagnosis is made through a detailed physical examination by an orthopedic specialist and imaging studies:

Physical Examination: The joint’s range of motion, tenderness, and stability are assessed.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed visualization of the cartilage, including the depth and extent of the lesion.
Arthroscopy (when necessary): A minimally invasive surgical procedure used for both diagnosis and treatment, allowing direct observation of cartilage damage.

Treatment Options for Cartilage Injuries

Treatment is determined based on the size of the cartilage damage, the patient’s age, activity level, and any accompanying conditions.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment:

Activity modification: Limiting movements that put stress on the affected joint
Physical therapy and exercises: To restore muscle balance and support joint function
Anti-inflammatory medications: To control pain and swelling
Intra-articular injections:
- Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation)
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
- Stem cell therapies (in select cases)

Surgical Treatment:

If cartilage damage is significant and symptomatic, surgical intervention may be required. The most commonly performed procedures include:

Microfracture: Small holes are created in the damaged area to stimulate the formation of cartilage-like tissue.
Mosaicplasty (Osteochondral Graft Transfer): Healthy cartilage tissue is transplanted to the damaged area.
OATS (Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System): Cartilage and bone tissue are taken from another area of the patient’s body and transplanted into the joint.
ACI (Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation): The patient’s cartilage cells are expanded in a laboratory and implanted into the damaged area.
Arthroscopic Debridement: Damaged cartilage tissue is cleaned to smooth the joint surface.

What Happens If Cartilage Injuries Are Left Untreated?

Untreated cartilage injuries can gradually progress, leading to:

Osteoarthritis (joint degeneration)
Permanent loss of joint mobility
Chronic pain
Severe structural damage that may eventually require joint replacement surgery

Early diagnosis and intervention are therefore critical for preserving joint health.

Conclusion

Thanks to advances in modern treatment methods, cartilage injuries can often be successfully managed when addressed early. For young and active individuals, consulting an orthopedic specialist is essential to halt progression and maintain joint function. If you experience persistent joint pain, catching, or limited movement, consult your orthopedic doctor without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions – Cartilage Injuries

Can cartilage repair itself?
Cartilage has very limited self-healing ability because it lacks blood vessels. Medical intervention is usually required.
Does every cartilage injury require surgery?
No. Small or superficial injuries can often be managed with conservative treatments. Deeper lesions may require surgical intervention.
When can I return to sports?
This depends on the size of the injury and the type of treatment. After surgery, controlled return to sports is generally possible within 3–6 months.