Knee Cartilage Injuries, Defects, or Chondral Lesions
Damage Leading to Knee Pain and Joint Degeneration
Cartilage injuries in the knee, also known as chondral lesions, are common among individuals who engage in high-impact activities. These injuries can be caused by trauma, contact sports, repetitive weight bearing, and age-related degeneration. Understanding the nature of cartilage injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for anyone looking to maintain knee health and mobility.
- WHAT ARE CARTILAGE INJURIES OF THE KNEE?
- WHAT CAUSES A CARTILAGE INJURY IN THE KNEE?
- ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARTILAGE INJURIES?
- WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARTILAGE INJURY IN THE KNEE?
- HOW ARE CARTILAGE INJURIES OF THE KNEE DIAGNOSED?
- WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CARTILAGE INJURIES OF THE KNEE?
WHAT ARE CARTILAGE INJURIES OF THE KNEE?
Cartilage injuries of the knee refer to damage to the articular cartilage, the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form joints. This cartilage helps reduce friction in the knee joint, acting as a cushion between bones. When this cartilage is injured, it can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced joint movement, affecting an individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
WHAT CAUSES A CARTILAGE INJURY IN THE KNEE?
Cartilage injuries in the knee can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma: Direct hits or falls that impact the knee can cause cartilage damage.
- Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear can gradually deteriorate knee cartilage.
- Repetitive Stress: Activities that place continuous strain on the knee, like running or jumping, can lead to injuries over time.
- Poor Alignment: Misalignment of the knee joint can increase stress on certain areas, leading to cartilage wear.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARTILAGE INJURIES?
Since there are different types of cartilage in the knee, there are different injuries that can occur including:
- Focal Chondral Defects: Small areas of damaged cartilage, often caused by acute injuries.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans: A condition where a segment of cartilage and the underlying bone begin to crack and separate.
- Degenerative Cartilage Loss: Widespread cartilage wear commonly associated with osteoarthritis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARTILAGE INJURY IN THE KNEE?
Symptoms of cartilage injury in the knee can vary but typically include:
- Pain: Especially when bearing weight on the joint.
- Swelling: Caused by inflammation in the joint.
- Stiffness: Particularly after periods of rest.
- Catching or Locking: The knee may feel like it catches or locks during movement.
- Decreased Mobility: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully.
- Inability to walk or stand normally
HOW ARE CARTILAGE INJURIES OF THE KNEE DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis of knee cartilage injuries involves a combination of methods:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: To assess symptoms and understand how the injury occurred.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays to rule out bone fractures, MRI scans to visualize cartilage damage, and sometimes CT scans for more detailed bone and soft tissue assessment.
- Arthroscopy: A surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted into the knee joint to directly observe the extent of cartilage damage.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CARTILAGE INJURIES OF THE KNEE?
Treatment for knee cartilage injuries depends on the severity of the injury and may include:
- Conservative Treatments: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE); physiotherapy; and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms.
- Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, Dr Keeley may need to perform procedures like microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral grafting to repair the damaged cartilage.
It’s important to consult with Dr Keeley to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition. Early intervention and tailored treatment strategies can help preserve knee function and prevent further injury.
LEARN ABOUT KNEE CARTILAGE REPAIR OR RESTORATION SURGERY
