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Articular cartilage, is responsible for the low friction and painless, articulation of synovial joints. Articular cartilage consists of a sparse distribution of highly specialized cells known as chondrocytes. These are are embedded in a matrix to provide articular cartilage withwonderful mechanical properties. Chondrocytes make up the tissue matrix macromolecular framework from three classes of molecules known as collagens, proteoglycans, and noncollagenous proteins. The Chondrocytes protect the cells from being damaged as a result of normal joint use, they determine the types and concentrations of molecules reaching the cells, acts as a mechanical signal transducer for the cells, and helps maintain the chondrocyte phenotype. Articular cartilage undergoes internal remodeling Throughout life as cells replace matrix macromolecules lost as a result of degradation. Aging decreases the ability of chondrocytes become less able to maintain and restore articular cartilage leading to an increase in the risk of degeneration of the articular cartilage surface. Progressive degeneration of articular cartilage leads to joint pain and dysfunction. This situation is clinically identified as osteoarthritis. Investigation regarding the pathogenesis of post traumatic osteoarthritis, the form of osteoarthritis that develops following joint injury, is helping to explain the development and progression of joint degeneration.

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