What are Knee Cartilage Injuries:
Knee cartilage injuries involve damage to the cartilage, which is the smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones within the knee joint. Cartilage injuries can occur due to trauma, wear and tear, or other underlying conditions. Here's some information about knee cartilage injuries:
What Types of Cartilage Are There?
The knee joint has two main types of cartilage:
- Articular Cartilage: This is the smooth, white cartilage that covers the ends of the bones within the joint. It allows the bones to glide against each other and provides cushioning and shock absorption.
- Meniscus: The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shinbone). The knee has two menisci, one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral) of the joint. They act as shock absorbers and provide stability to the knee.
Causes of Knee Cartilage Injuries
Knee cartilage injuries can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Trauma: A sudden forceful impact or twisting motion can cause a cartilage injury. This can happen during sports activities, falls, or accidents.
- Degenerative Changes: Over time, the cartilage in the knee can wear down or degenerate, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis. This can result in cartilage damage or loss.
Symptoms of Knee Cartilage Injuries
Knee cartilage injuries can vary depending on the extent and location of the damage. Common symptoms include:
- Pain, especially with weight-bearing activities or movements.
- Swelling and inflammation around the knee.
- Stiffness or a decreased range of motion in the knee.
- Clicking or popping sensations during movement.
- A feeling of instability or "giving way" in the knee.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Knee Cartilage Injuries
Diagnosis of knee cartilage injuries typically involves a combination of a physical examination, medical history, imaging tests, and possibly arthroscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure to visualize the inside of the joint). Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be ordered to assess the extent of the cartilage damage and evaluate the overall condition of the knee joint.
Treatment options for knee cartilage injuries depend on various factors, including the location and severity of the injury, the patient's age and activity level, and the presence of any underlying conditions. Treatment approaches may include:
- Non-Surgical Options: These can include rest, physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles, pain management with medication or injections, and activity modification to reduce stress on the knee joint.
- Surgical Interventions: In cases of more severe or extensive cartilage damage, surgical options may be considered. These can include procedures such as arthroscopy with cartilage debridement (removal of damaged tissue), microfracture (creating small holes to stimulate new cartilage growth), cartilage transplantation, or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), among others.
Recovery from Knee Cartilage Injuries
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process after a knee cartilage injury, regardless of whether conservative or surgical treatment is pursued. Physical therapy will focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and function of the knee, as well as improving stability and balance.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine specialist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for knee cartilage injuries. They will assess the specific characteristics of the injury and provide individualized care to promote optimal healing, reduce symptoms, and improve the function of the knee joint.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or book an appointment online.