They only replace one of the condyles in the knee, typically the medial condyle, if it has damaged cartilage.
That would be arthritis, more specifically osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
Cartilage gets damaged by blunt forces.
The five most common knee problems are arthritis, tendonitis, bruises, cartilage tears, and damaged ligaments. Knee injuries can be caused by accidents, impact, sudden or awkward movements, and gradual wear and tear of the knee joint.
People with damaged cartilage may feel pain when they move their joints, such as the knee or hip. Damaged cartilage can lead to inflammation and friction within the joint, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Arthroscopy of the knee is performed through a sophisticated procedure where a small scope is inserted into the knee joint in order to repair the damaged cartilage and other ligaments. It is also performed as a diagnostic procedure to rule out the other knee problems in the knee joint.
The true hyaline cartilage is the knee's intra-articular cartilage found in the joint surface. It has collagen but does not possess nerves or blood vessels.
Articular cartilage.
Treatment options for damaged cartilage in the knee vary depending on the severity of the injury, the location of the damage, and the individual patient's needs. Here, we will discuss several common treatment approaches for damaged knee cartilage. Non-Surgical Treatments: a. Rest and Modified Activities: In cases of mild cartilage damage, the first line of treatment often involves rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the knee. This allows the damaged cartilage to heal and reduces further stress on the knee joint. b. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitating damaged knee cartilage. A physical therapist can design an exercise program tailored to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, improve joint stability, and enhance flexibility. c. Assistive Devices: The use of assistive devices like crutches, braces, or knee sleeves can provide support, reduce pain, and aid in the healing process by offloading weight from the damaged area. Medications: a. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with damaged cartilage. b. Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the knee joint may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. However, these injections are typically limited to a few times per year due to potential side effects. Regenerative Medicine: a. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets derived from the patient's blood into the knee joint. Platelets contain growth factors that can promote tissue healing and regeneration. b. Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy involves the injection of stem cells, either derived from the patient's own body or from a donor source, into the damaged cartilage. These cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, including cartilage cells, promoting the repair of the damaged tissue. Surgical Options: a. Arthroscopic Debridement: Arthroscopic debridement involves using a minimally invasive technique to remove loose fragments of damaged cartilage and smooth out rough surfaces. This procedure aims to improve joint function and reduce symptoms. b. Microfracture: Microfracture is a surgical procedure that involves creating small holes in the damaged cartilage to stimulate the formation of new cartilage-like tissue. While this technique can promote cartilage repair, the newly formed tissue may not be as durable as the original cartilage. c. Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): ACI is a two-step procedure that involves first harvesting healthy cartilage cells from a non-weight-bearing area of the knee. These cells are then grown in a laboratory and implanted into the damaged area, promoting the regeneration of healthy cartilage. d. Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OAT): OAT involves taking a small plug of healthy cartilage and bone from a non-weight-bearing area of the knee and transplanting it into the damaged area. This procedure is beneficial for small, well-contained defects. Joint Replacement: In severe cases where extensive cartilage damage and joint degeneration occur, joint replacement surgery may be considered. This involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial implants (prostheses). It's important to note that the choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the patient's age, overall health, activity level, and the extent of cartilage damage. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate. If you're experiencing knee pain or suspect damaged cartilage, it's crucial to consult with Cartilage Transplant Knee a healthcare professional. We can assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment options for you. Don't delay seeking medical advice to prevent further damage and improve your knee health. Take the first step towards recovery by scheduling an appointment with our healthcare provider today.
knee joint
rest, with no pressure on the knee
Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue found in the human body, such as in the ears and nose. An example sentence could be: "The cartilage in his knee helped cushion the impact of running on hard surfaces."