INTRODUCTION

Articular cartilage problems in the knee joint are common. Injured areas, called lesions, often show up as tears or pot holes in the surface of the cartilage. If a tear goes all the way through the cartilage, surgeons call it afull-thickness lesion. When this happens, surgery is usually recommended. Repair and rehabilitation are difficult. Your surgeon will consider many factors when determining the procedure that’s best for you.

ANATOMY

Where is the articular cartilage, and what does it do? Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones. It has a smooth, slippery surface, which allows the bones of the knee joint to slide over each other without rubbing. This slick surface is designed to minimize pressure and friction as you move.

When the surface of the cartilage is injured, it is usually not painful at first. This is because cartilage tissues are not supplied with nerves. However, any holes or rough spots in the cartilage can throw off the intricate design of the joint. If this happens, the joint can become inflamed and painful.

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