Cartilage Injuries
Causes, treatments and technological innovations
Cartilage injuries can cause pain and limit movement, making even daily activities difficult. Since cartilage does not regenerate easily, timely and appropriate treatment is essential. Discover the causes, symptoms, and the most advanced solutions to protect your joint health.
The Role of Cartilage in Joints
Articular cartilage is a tough yet elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones, reducing friction and absorbing impacts. It allows smooth movement and protects joints—such as the knee—from daily mechanical stress. A curious fact? The friction between two cartilage surfaces is lower than that between two pieces of ice.
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Unlike other tissues, cartilage is not vascularized, so it has a very limited ability to regenerate. When damaged, it rarely heals on its own, making specific intervention necessary to restore joint function.
At this point, the expertise of a knee specialist such as Dr. Dario Giunchi becomes essential.
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Types of Cartilage Damage
Cartilage-related problems fall into two broad categories: degenerative and traumatic lesions.
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Degenerative lesions are often associated with:
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Wear and tear due to aging
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Joint overload caused by repetitive activities
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Conditions such as osteoarthritis, which lead to progressive cartilage degradation
These issues manifest as pain, stiffness, and swelling that worsen over time if not properly treated.
Traumatic lesions result from accidents or unnatural movements, and are quite common in athletes. They are caused by:
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Direct impacts, such as falls or blows
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Sudden movements and excessive twisting
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Involvement of other joint structures, such as menisci or ligaments
In some cases, trauma can cause a fragment of cartilage to detach, accelerating joint degeneration if not treated promptly.
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Treatment Strategies
Depending on the type and severity of the lesion, several therapeutic options are available.
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Cartilage Refixation
When a cartilage fragment detaches, it can be surgically reinserted using advanced arthroscopic techniques. This procedure helps preserve the original tissue and restore joint function.
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Microfractures and Nanofractures
These techniques promote the formation of new cartilage by creating small holes in the underlying bone:
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Microfractures stimulate the release of stem cells from the bone marrow
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Nanofractures use more refined tools to enhance the regenerative process
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These methods are suitable for small lesions and help form substitute cartilage tissue, though it is not identical to the original.
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AutoCart™ by Arthrex: Innovative Technology
One of the most advanced techniques is AutoCart™, which uses fragments of the patient’s own cartilage to repair the damaged area. The process involves three steps:
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Harvesting healthy cartilage from non-weight-bearing zones
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Fragmenting and preparing the collected tissue
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Applying it to the lesion using an adhesive biomaterial that promotes regeneration
This minimally invasive technique offers a biological alternative with excellent outcomes in cartilage restoration.
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Recovery Time
Recovery time depends on the technique used and the severity of the injury.
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After microfracture or nanofracture procedures, partial weight-bearing is required for about 4–6 weeks, with return to sports usually after 3–4 months.
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Cartilage refixation requires a longer recovery, with a return to sports between 6 and 9 months.
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For AutoCart™, weight-bearing can be progressively increased after 4 weeks, and sports activities may resume in 3–4 months.
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Preserving cartilage is crucial to prevent recurrence and maintain joint function over time.
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Maintaining a healthy body weight helps reduce joint stress, while strengthening the knee muscles improves stability and prevents further damage.
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It is also important to avoid overloads and repetitive movements that can accelerate cartilage wear.
