Cartilage Injuries of the Knee

What are cartilage injuries of the knee?

Throughout the body, connective tissue can be found covering the ends of bones where they meet forming a joint. This tissue, also known as cartilage, allows these bony ends to painlessly glide over one another during joint movement. There are two kinds of cartilage found within the knee joint: articular cartilage and meniscus cartilage. Articular cartilage is the shiny and slippery white tissue that envelops the distal end of the femur (thigh bone) and the proximal end of the tibia (shin bone). Each knee joint contains two crescent-shaped cartilage discs (meniscus), one on the inner section and another on the outer section, that act as a shock absorber to reduce loads and wear on the knee joint. When healthy, these flexible yet firm connective tissues are relatively tough. However, they are still vulnerable to damage and degeneration causing knee joint pain and mobility difficulties. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic knee specialist serving patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with cartilage injuries of the knee.

What can cause cartilage injuries of the knee?

Cartilage injuries of the knee can be the result of chronic knee joint use, a sports-related injury, natural degeneration, or a traumatic event. Some specific incidents that affect the knee cartilage are as follows:

• Degeneration: The natural aging process can disrupt the structure of the cartilage resulting in thinning of the cartilage and eventually painful bone-on-bone contact.
• Meniscus Tear: A forceful rotation of the knee with the body’s full weight on a planted foot can result in a meniscus tear.
• Dislocation: A traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle collision or a football tackle, can force the knee joint from its normal position resulting in dislocation of the kneecap itself, or in rare circumstances, the entire knee joint.
• Cartilage Separation: Abnormal twisting motions can lead to cartilage separation from the bone. When these cartilage fragments are left to “float” within the joint space, mechanical symptoms and further joint damage can occur with movement.
• Infection: A penetrating injury, such as a dog bite, can transfer bacteria directly into the knee joint. Bacteria traveling through the bloodstream can also spontaneously infiltrate the knee joint resulting in septic arthritis.
• Inflammation: An autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation and subsequent tissue degeneration from the body’s own immune system attacking the cartilage tissue.

What are the symptoms of cartilage injuries of the knee?

Cartilage injuries of the knee, regardless of which cartilaginous tissue is affected, exhibit similar symptoms. The most common symptom reported is knee pain that has variable degrees of intensity. The knee pain can be sharp and intense immediately following an injury or a dull ache that progressively worsens over time. Knee swelling is also quite common. Some other common complaints of cartilage injuries of the knee can include:

• Inability to stand or walk naturally without a limp or favoring the injured knee.
• Decreased range of motion
• Inflammation or swelling of the affected knee joint that is worse after activity
• Free-floating debris or large flaps of tissue within the joint space can cause a “locking” or “catching” sensation, also referred to as “mechanical symptoms”

How are cartilage injuries of the knee diagnosed?

Dr. Lamplot will gather a comprehensive medical history and then perform a thorough physical examination. Diagnostic imaging studies, such as weight-bearing x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are also useful for confirming cartilage injuries of the knee as well as identifying any damage to the other structures within the knee joint.

What is the treatment for cartilage injuries of the knee?

Non-surgical treatment:

Non-surgical therapies can be beneficial depending on the severity, location, and type of cartilage damage. A combination of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can alleviate any pain and inflammation associated with this condition. If the symptoms still persist despite these treatments, Dr. Lamplot can administer a corticosteroid injection or other biologic treatment directly into the knee joint. A physical rehabilitation program can also be tailored to the patient’s physical needs to improve joint flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Surgical treatment:

Patients that did not respond to non-surgical therapies or experienced severe cartilage injuries of the knee may require surgical intervention. Dr. Lamplot will assess several patient factors, such as age, activity level, type of tear, and lesion size to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Surgical intervention is a highly individualized treatment option, as there are several surgical techniques available to address each patient’s cartilage injuries of the knee.

Knee Cartilage Injury Specialist