Articular Cartilage Treatment

Jack Farr, MD

Articular cartilage, the glistening white tissue that covers the ends of the bones, is both tough and resilient. It is not only important for the smooth gliding of the joint, but also to "soften" the impact during loading much the same as a shock absorber. Articular cartilage may not appear to be alive, but it is. The number of cells (chondrocytes), which reside in the tissue, is indeed small (approx. 5%), but they have the job of keeping the matrix around them healthy. Think of the cells as the few marshmallows suspended in a Jell-O® mold. As with most body tissues, there is a constant wear-out and replacement activity of this matrix (The marshmallows repair and replenish the Jell-O® matrix). Unfortunately, the chondrocytes typically do not replicate and cannot repair themselves. They also decrease in number as we age.

Once the chondrocytes are damaged or lost (die), the surrounding matrix then gradually degenerates. Without help, the body is not able to repair these articular cartilage defects. That is when cartilage restoration surgeons can intervene to help the body start a healing response or replaces the worn tissue.

Dr. Jack Farr offers several options for treatment of damaged articular cartilage, starting with methods for repairing early, localized damage called focal chondral defects. These options include:

-Regeneration, Repair, or Replacement of Damaged Articular Cartilage
-Treatment of Established Arthritis
-Other Surgical Techniques

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