|
A cartilage defect is a condition resulting from the localizied loss of cartilage on the inside of the knee. This may lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and occassionally, locking within the joint; a cartilage defect differs from arthritis in that it is generally more localizied in nature. If untreated, a defect may allow the major leg bones (the femur and tibia) to come into contact with one another, which is a painful condition. Additionally, arthritis may develop, leading to worsening pain and symptoms.
Conditions can vary in severity, depending upon the location and the extent of degeneration of cartilage within the knee.
Heredity, intensity of athletic activity, and the extent of previous injury to the knee all play a role in determining the amount of degeneration to the cartilage.
The damaged cartilage cannot heal itself. Current treatments can effectively restore the cartilage surface and relieve symptoms. However, these treatments are effectively only if the defects are relatively localizied and are the source of pain and other symptoms.
Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy is reserved for less advanced conditions and for patients with minimal symptoms.
Patients with severe conditions may require surgery to restore the cartilage surface in the area of the original defect. This creates a smooth surface on the cartilage capable of absorbing the impact of daily or athletic activities.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
