| Cartilage is a special kind of connective tissue that is | | | | Cartilage implants are generally the last leg of |
| present in several areas of the body, like the knees, | | | | treatment. Doctors try to catch knee injury problems |
| intervertebral discs, ears and the respiratory tract. | | | | at the earliest and start treatment methods early to |
| Different kinds of cartilage differ in structure and | | | | prevent further cartilage deterioration. This is because |
| function. Generally, when people speak of cartilage | | | | relatively small areas of cartilage damage may be |
| pain, it refers to pain in the knee. | | | | filled with new cartilage. Introducing cartilage implant is |
| Knee problems are the most recurring problems in | | | | a complicated procedure. Unless it is done by an |
| sports people and in the general populace. In fact, it | | | | expert, the chances of failure are very high. The |
| has been recorded as the #1 reason for application | | | | reason is that doctors have not found a way of |
| of leave by sportspeople. When the cartilage in the | | | | affixing cartilage cells properly in the knee area in |
| knee is damaged, it could lead to pain and severe | | | | such a way that they can withstand tremendous |
| restriction in movement. This is because the knee | | | | pressure and operate smoothly. Cartilage implants |
| withstands a lot of pressure when the body is in | | | | must glide smoothly between the joints and must be |
| motion. The cartilage acts as a lubricant between the | | | | able to support smooth motion. If they are displaced |
| bones of the knee joint. When the lubricant is | | | | in the course of daily activities, pain and discomfort |
| damaged or destroyed, the bones start rubbing | | | | return. |
| against each other, causing extreme discomfort, pain | | | | When cartilage implants are not possible or not |
| and mobility problems. | | | | effective, the best alternative is to opt for total |
| Cartilage damage generally has no specific indications. | | | | knee replacement. This is the last resort to repair |
| Patients may complain of pain or intermittent swelling. | | | | defective cartilage. In this procedure, the defective |
| Sometimes, patients may also experience a locking | | | | parts are removed. The surfaces that are worn out |
| sound. Cartilage damage will be evident on | | | | are then resurfaced with suitable materials so that |
| examination when the doctor observes wasting of | | | | the artificial joint can function in a normal manner. |
| muscles (through x-rays), limitation of movement and | | | | Knee replacement is fairly routine and more than |
| tenderness (through physical examination). In acute | | | | 95% of patients who opt for it are completely |
| cases, the damage may be serious enough to cause | | | | successful in regaining total movement and normalcy. |
| bleeding in the knee. | | | | Injuries to the cartilage are very common and |
| Generally, patients who desire long term solution for | | | | independent of age. In most cases, stress or |
| their knee pain ultimately opt for cartilage implants. | | | | overuse could be the cause of the problem. |
| Since the body does not have the ability to | | | | However, for treatment to be effective, it is |
| regenerate or rebuild cartilage, the only solution is to | | | | important to approach a doctor for the proper |
| introduce cartilage implants that work in a manner | | | | treatment at the earliest. |
| similar to the cartilage. | | | | |