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ARTICULAR CARTILAGE WEAR |
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| Patient
Education Page
KNEE TOPICS *These pages are for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult a physician for specific diagnosis and treatment options.* |
Articular cartilage is a tough,
smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the bone surfaces on the femur (thigh
bone), tibia (leg bone) and the underside of the patella (kneecap).
(Articular cartilage problems relating to the patella will be discussed in
the Chondromalacia section). The purpose of articular cartilage is
to provide smooth motion when your knee bends. It also acts to
protect the bony surfaces that lie underneath it. Because of a
traumatic injury due to sports activities or accidents, or just the aging
process and general "wear and tear" of the knee joint, damage
may occur to the cartilage surfaces. Pieces of articular cartilage
may break away creating "loose bodies" that float around in your
knee. "Craters" can be left on your knee surfaces that
prevent smooth movement of your knee.
SYMPTOMS Symptoms that may be experienced with articular cartilage wear are knee pain and swelling, grinding when you bend down or walk up or down stairs, and possible locking of the knee. Locking may occur because loose bodies become trapped in your knee. DIAGNOSIS The office visit allows your doctor to diagnose your problem through history and physical exam as well as reviewing any tests that may be ordered. Xrays may be taken to determine the extent of any cartilage damage and its possible effects to any bone on the underside of the cartilage. Xrays can also determine if there are any other abnormalities within the knee that may be contributing to your problem. An MRI scan may be ordered to determine the extent or presence of any injury to the articular cartilage if it has not clearly defined during your office visit. TREATMENT Often this type of problem can be treated conservatively prior to considering surgery as a treatment option. Anti-inflammatory medication would be used to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. If surgical treatment for articular cartilage defects is used, it can be done arthroscopically. The purpose of surgery is to clear out any loose fragments that may be floating around in your knee and to smooth any cartilage defects that may be present on your knee joint surfaces. An arthroscopic shaver is used to trim any fragmenting pieces of cartilage that may be found to create a smooth surface. The shaver also suctions out any debris that is floating around in your knee. To further smooth any cartilage surfaces, an arthroscopic heating wand may be used. When this heating wand is used very close to articular cartilage surfaces, the heat generated can mold the cartilage creating a smoother and more stable lesion. The use of this heating wand is dependent on the amount of cartilage damage and the doctor's preference. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis and you will go home within a few hours after surgery. A rehabilitation program will be set up for you to follow after your surgery.
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