Articular Cartilage Injury

Articular cartilage helps our joints move and glide freely. Tears, or lesions, in that cartilage can interfere with normal movement and cause problems.

Common causes of articular cartilage injuries include:

• Sudden, traumatic injury from a fall or physical contact
• Wear and tear from repetitive movements in sports

Symptoms of an articular cartilage injury can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Limited range of motion

Feeling as if the joint, especially if it’s the knee, is giving out, “locking” or “catching”.

Our physicians start with a physical examination when diagnosing an articular cartilage injury. They may also order diagnostic tests to look at the bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage in the injured joint.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• X-ray: Uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to take detailed images of the bones of the injured joint, checking for any problems
• CT (computed tomography) scan: Uses X-rays to make detailed images of the injured area
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan: Uses magnetic fields and radiowaves to take detailed pictures of the joint, checking for tears in the ligaments, tendons or cartilage
• Arthroscopy: Uses an arthroscope (a thin, lighted tube with a small camera attached), which is inserted through tiny incisions to visualize, diagnose and treat the problem

Our physicians specialize in both non-surgical treatments for articular cartilage injuries and in minimally invasive surgery. If a repair is needed, our surgeons use a minimally invasive approach whenever possible.

Non-surgical treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy (PT)

When symptoms worsen, your child may need surgery. We consider the injury’s severity and your child’s age and activity level when determining the best option:

• Arthroscopic surgery: During this minimally invasive procedure, your child’s physician inserts an arthroscope — a thin, lighted tube with a small camera attached — through tiny incisions near the joint to visualize and treat the damage. Learn more about arthroscopy.

In rare cases, children with serious tears and existing conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans may require more extensive surgery. Your physician will discuss the best surgical options with you and your child.