Cartilage
Cartilage is an avascular structure, meaning it lacks blood vessels and nerves, which is why it is often said that “cartilage is not painful.” Due to its biomechanical properties, cartilage can maintain a viable and intact articular surface.
The impact on the subchondral bone is what causes pain, joint deterioration, and functional limitations. This may necessitate surgical intervention to alleviate the patient’s symptoms and to help prevent further cartilage degeneration.
Different treatments focus on either conservative or reparative therapies for injured cartilage. The tools available to assist our patients will vary depending on the depth and extent of the lesion.
What are the functions of cartilage?
The primary function of cartilage is to support and distribute loads transmitted between surfaces. By providing smooth gliding, it protects bones and prevents them from rubbing against each other. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another effortlessly.
However, cartilage has a very limited ability to repair itself due to its lack of blood supply and the scarcity of specialised cells. As a result, when it does repair, it produces fibrous tissue (fibrocartilage).
The best treatment for cartilage
Different treatments focus on either conservative or reparative therapies for injured cartilage. The tools available to assist our patients will vary depending on the depth and extent of the lesion.
Each patient has a unique injury, age, and regenerative capacity. Treatments can range from physical therapies, including rehabilitation and physiotherapy, to biological therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell concentrate infiltrations. Various surgical options are also available, including arthroscopic techniques, cartilage mesh grafts, and PRP.
Cartilage damage marks the onset of joint degeneration, which eventually leads to osteoarthritis.
Medical Team
Instituto Cugat boasts a team of professionals extensive experience in the pathology of this joint. Specialising in sports traumatology, they employ the most advanced surgical techniques to aid in the recovery of athletes.
