Articular Cartilage plays a crucial role in joint function, acting as a smooth, lubricated surface for joint movement and cushioning bones. Understanding the significance of articular cartilage, how injuries occur, and treatment options is essential for maintaining joint health.
What is Articular Cartilage?
Articular cartilage is a smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. It allows for smooth movement of the joints and acts as a cushion, distributing loads to reduce stress on the bones.
Importance of Articular Cartilage
Articular cartilage is vital for healthy joint function. It reduces friction during joint movement, absorbs shocks, and helps in weight distribution. Damage to this cartilage can lead to pain, swelling, and impaired movement. For more details on joint preservation and management, check out joint preservation and management.
Common Injuries to Articular Cartilage
Injuries to articular cartilage can result from acute trauma, repetitive motion, or degenerative conditions. Common types of cartilage injuries include:
- Chondromalacia: Softening and breakdown of the cartilage.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans: Cracks form in the cartilage and underlying bone.
- Traumatic Injuries: Resulting from sports or accidents.
Treatment Options for Articular Cartilage Injuries
Treating articular cartilage injuries involves a range of non-surgical and surgical options. Dr. Vatsal Khetan’s expertise in treating cartilage injuries can guide you through the following treatments:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the joint.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
- Injections: Hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids to improve joint function.
Surgical Treatments
- Microfracture: Creating small fractures in the bone to stimulate cartilage growth.
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): Growing new cartilage cells in a lab and implanting them in the joint.
- Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation: Transplanting healthy cartilage from another part of the joint.
For a detailed look at surgical options, visit common minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from cartilage repair varies depending on the type and extent of the injury and treatment. Physical therapy is essential to restore strength and mobility. Dr. Vatsal Khetan’s guidance on sports medicine can help you navigate the recovery process.
Long-Term Outcomes
With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most patients can achieve significant improvement in joint function and pain relief. For tips on managing chronic knee pain, explore advanced chronic knee pain management.
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Contact Information
Name: Dr. Vatsal Khetan Address: SK Pandey Complex, Betiahata Rd, beside Union Bank, Betiahata, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh 273001 Phone: +91-9662 365 917