Knee Cartilage Injuries

Articular knee cartilage is smooth, slippery tissue covering the bones’ ends in the knee joint. It is designed to cushion the joint, absorb shock, prevent the bones from rubbing together, and provide smooth, pain-free movement. However, unlike muscle or bone, articular cartilage has no blood supply, limiting its ability to self-repair. Thus, healing can be slow and challenging.

Knee cartilage defects are areas of damage or loss of articular cartilage. These defects can occur due to acute injury or, over time, degenerative changes that progress in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Knee cartilage injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Trauma: A sudden blow or impact to the knee, such as a fall or a sports injury, can damage the knee cartilage.
• Repetitive stress: Repeated stress on the knee joint, such as from running or jumping, can cause the cartilage to wear down over time.
• Age: As we age, the cartilage in our joints may naturally begin to break down, leading to injury.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put added pressure on the knee joint, leading to cartilage damage over time.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as avascular necrosis, can increase the risk of cartilage injury.

The symptoms of knee cartilage injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain: Pain is often the first sign of a knee cartilage injury. The pain can be dull or sharp and occurs at rest or during activity.
• Swelling: Inflammation causes swelling around the knee and causes soreness and pain. The swelling may be mild or severe, depending on the extent of the injury.
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee joint can make it difficult to move or bend the knee. This symptom can worsen over time if the injury is not treated.
• Grating, Clicking, or Popping Sounds or Sensations: Some people may hear grating, clicking, or popping sounds or feel these sensations when they move their knees. This can be a sign of cartilage damage.
• Catching, Locking, or giving way of the knee joint: Cartilage pieces can break off and float in the joint space, causing the knee joint to lock or catch, making it difficult to move, and causing instability.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Reduced range of motion results from swelling and stiffness.

Cartilage defects are diagnosed through physical examination, imaging tests, and medical history. Knee surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kaplan, will ask about how and when the injury occurred and your symptoms. He will review your medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions that could affect the knee.

Dr. Kaplan will perform a thorough physical exam assessing the knee for pain, swelling, range of motion, and the sounds and sensations that occur when you move your knee.

He will order imaging studies such as X-rays and, if needed, more advanced imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), to evaluate the joint. He may suggest arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted into the joint to examine the cartilage and surrounding structures directly.

Based on the results of these tests, Dr. Kaplan can determine the extent and location of the cartilage defect and recommend appropriate treatment. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a cartilage defect, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of further damage.