Cartilage Injuries Specialist
Cartilage is a connective tissue made of tough, flexible material that cushions the bones of joints throughout your body. When cartilage is damaged, it results in joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation. Cartilage damage can occur in our knees, elbow, wrist, ankle, and hip joints and can be extremely painful and debilitating.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our highly-trained, expert specialists can provide you with relief you deserve from cartilage damage. We offer conservative treatments such as special exercises, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid injections to treat pain. If a patient is unresponsive to these treatments, we offer surgical options that can either repair or replace damaged cartilage. Our team will work alongside you during your surgery and provide you with a personalized rehabilitation plan to ensure a quick and healthy recovery.
If you are experiencing the pain of cartilage damage, do not allow your condition to worsen. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.
Cartilage Injuries FAQ
What Are Cartilage Injuries of the Knee?
Cartilage injuries of the knee often involve damage to the menisci (shock-absorbing connective tissue) or the articular cartilage lining the knee joint. Injuries can result from trauma, causing tears or detached fragments, and may require bracing, physical therapy, or surgery.
If only cartilage is damaged, it may not appear on an X-ray but could be detected via MRI or arthroscopy. Detached cartilage or bone fragments, known as “loose bodies,” can cause locking, swelling, or clicking sensations in the knee.
What Causes Cartilage Injuries of the Knee?
Articular cartilage damage is common and often affects the knee. Causes include:
- Sudden trauma: Falls or sports injuries can damage cartilage.
- Osteoarthritis: Long-term wear and tear, worsened by joint structure issues or meniscus removal.
- Osteochondritis dissecans: A condition where cartilage and a small piece of bone detach from a joint.
- Infection leading to joint damage.
What Are The Symptoms of Cartilage Injuries?
- Swelling
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Instability or "giving way"
What Are The Treatment Options For Cartilage Injuries?
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment
Many patients benefit from conservative treatments such as:
- Physical therapy or home exercise programs.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Steroid injections for inflammation relief.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative methods are ineffective, surgery may be required. Options include:
- Debridement: Smoothing damaged cartilage and removing loose edges to prevent irritation.
- Marrow Stimulation: Microfracture techniques stimulate cartilage growth, although the new cartilage is less durable.
- Mosaicplasty: Transplanting healthy cartilage to the damaged area, suitable for small, localized injuries.
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: Lab-grown cartilage cells are re-implanted to regenerate tissue over time.
What Is Cartilage and What Are Its Functions?
Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue that cushions joints, reducing friction and supporting body movement. It serves two main functions:
- Shock absorption.
- Shaping and supporting body structures, like the nose and ears.
Cartilage lacks its own blood supply, which slows its healing compared to other tissues.
What Are The Types of Cartilage?
There are three primary types of cartilage:
- Elastic Cartilage: Found in the ears, parts of the nose, and the trachea.
- Fibrocartilage: Found between spinal discs and in the hip and pelvis joints.
- Articular (Hyaline) Cartilage: Smooth tissue covering bone ends in joints.