Cartilage Injury Treatment

What are Cartilage Injuries?

Cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form joints. It provides a cushioning surface that allows for smooth movement and helps absorb shock during physical activity. There are two main types of cartilage in joints: articular cartilage (covers joint surfaces) and meniscal cartilage (shock absorbers in the knee). Cartilage injuries can occur from acute trauma, such as sports injuries or falls, or develop gradually due to wear and tear, leading to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. Unlike other tissues, cartilage has a limited ability to repair itself due to its poor blood supply, making treatment essential for long-term joint health.

Common Symptoms of Cartilage Injuries

• Joint Pain: Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
• Swelling: Inflammation around the affected joint, often occurring hours after activity
• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion and difficulty fully bending or straightening the joint
• Locking or Catching: Sensation of the joint "catching" or "giving way" during movement
• Grinding Sensation: Feeling or hearing a grinding or crunching when moving the joint
• Weakness: Decreased strength in the muscles surrounding the affected joint

Advanced Diagnostic Approaches

Dr. Abhishek Saxena utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to precisely assess cartilage injuries:

• Comprehensive physical examination to assess joint stability, range of motion, and localize pain
• High-resolution MRI with cartilage mapping sequences to visualize the extent and depth of cartilage damage
• 3D CT arthrography for detailed assessment of cartilage surface integrity
• Diagnostic arthroscopy for direct visualization and grading of cartilage lesions
• Specialized biomechanical assessment to evaluate joint loading patterns
• Advanced biochemical markers to assess cartilage metabolism and inflammatory factors

Treatment Options

Dr. Saxena offers a comprehensive range of treatment options tailored to the specific type, location, and severity of cartilage injury:

• Conservative Management: Physical therapy, activity modification, weight management, and bracing for small or stable lesions
• Pharmacological Interventions: Anti-inflammatory medications, viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections), and targeted corticosteroid injections
• Biological Treatments: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and other advanced biologics to stimulate healing
• Microfracture/Nanofracture: Creating small perforations in the underlying bone to stimulate cartilage regeneration
• Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): Two-stage procedure using laboratory-grown cartilage cells from the patient's own tissue
• Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI): Advanced form of ACI using a biologic scaffold
• Osteochondral Autograft/Allograft Transfer (OAT): Transferring healthy cartilage and bone plugs to the defect site
• Meniscal Repairs: Specialized techniques for meniscal cartilage preservation and restoration
• Joint Preservation Procedures: Corrective osteotomies to optimize joint biomechanics and reduce cartilage stress

Cutting-Edge Surgical Techniques

Dr. Saxena specializes in the latest minimally invasive and regenerative approaches for cartilage restoration:

• Arthroscopic cartilage debridement and stabilization for partial-thickness lesions
• Advanced microfracture techniques with enhanced biologics
• Single-stage cartilage restoration procedures using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis
• Customized 3D-printed scaffolds for complex cartilage defects
• Particulated juvenile cartilage allograft for challenging lesions
• Meniscal transplantation for irreparable meniscal tears
• Computer-navigated cartilage procedures for precise defect targeting

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Recovery from cartilage procedures requires specialized rehabilitation protocols to protect the repair while promoting tissue maturation:

• Customized weight-bearing progression based on the specific procedure and location
• Continuous passive motion therapy to nourish healing cartilage
• Targeted strengthening of supporting muscles without compromising the repair
• Joint unloading strategies during early healing phases
• Progressive exercise programs to gradually increase joint loading
• Gait retraining and biomechanical optimization
• Return-to-activity testing with objective functional criteria

Rehabilitation timelines vary based on the specific procedure, with most patients returning to daily activities within 3-6 months. Return to high-impact activities or sports typically occurs between 6-12 months, with continued biological maturation of the repaired cartilage for up to 2 years after surgery.

Prevention Strategies

Dr. Saxena emphasizes proactive measures to protect joint cartilage and prevent injuries:

• Joint-friendly exercise programs focusing on low-impact activities
• Proper warm-up and cool-down routines before physical activity
• Maintaining healthy body weight to reduce joint stress
• Proper technique during sports and exercise to minimize abnormal joint loading
• Appropriate footwear and orthotics to optimize biomechanics
• Nutritional strategies to support cartilage health