Cartilage Injury
A plain-language overview of articular cartilage injury.
At a glance
- Where
- Joint surface, often knee
- Common signs
- Pain, swelling, stiffness
- Options
- Therapy or cartilage restoration
- Urgent?
- Severe pain, deformity, or numbness: seek care promptly.
For general education, not medical advice. Your own surgeon will recommend what fits your situation.
What it is
Articular cartilage is the smooth surface covering the ends of bones in a joint. It heals poorly on its own, so damage can cause lasting symptoms.
Common symptoms
- Pain with activity
- Swelling
- Catching or stiffness
Treatment overview
Options depend on the size and location of the damage and range from therapy to cartilage restoration procedures. Dr. Gee's current research includes trends in cartilage surgery among service members.
Your own surgeon will recommend what fits your situation. See Surgery & Recovery.