Understanding Knee Cartilage

Cartilage is an essential connective tissue that lines the joint surfaces, acting as a cushion to absorb shock and facilitate smooth movement. In the knee, cartilage covers the tibia (shinbone), femur (thighbone), and patella (kneecap), ensuring proper joint function.

Causes and Symptoms of Knee Cartilage Injury

Knee cartilage injuries can result from trauma, sports injuries, repetitive stress, or natural degeneration due to aging.

Common symptoms include:

• Chronic knee joint pain
• Swelling and inflammation
• Joint locking or catching, often caused by loose cartilage fragments
• Reduced range of motion and difficulty in movement

Diagnosing Knee Cartilage Damage

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Knee and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, specializes in diagnosing knee cartilage injuries using:

• Clinical Examination: A thorough assessment of pain, swelling, and joint movement.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays and MRI scans confirm cartilage damage and rule out other knee injuries.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Cartilage Injuries

Many knee cartilage injuries are managed with conservative, non-surgical approaches, including:

• RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): To reduce pain and swelling.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the joint and improving mobility.

Dr. Khaleel may recommend working with specialized physical therapists to optimize recovery.

Surgical Treatments for Knee Cartilage Repair

If non-surgical treatments fail or the injury is severe, Dr. Khaleel may recommend arthroscopic surgery to repair or regenerate cartilage.

Common surgical techniques include:

• Debridement (Shaving): Smoothing frayed cartilage to reduce friction and pain.
• Microfracture (Bone Marrow Stimulation): Creating small holes in the bone to stimulate cartilage regeneration.
• Autograft Cartilage Transplantation: Using healthy cartilage to replace damaged areas.
• Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): Harvesting and growing a patient’s own cartilage cells in a lab before re-implanting them.