Cartilage preservation is a medical approach focused on protecting, maintaining, and, when possible, regenerating the cartilage within joints. Cartilage is a smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, facilitating smooth and pain-free movement. It acts as a shock absorber and reduces friction, enabling joints to function correctly. Cartilage preservation strategies aim to prevent or delay cartilage degeneration, which can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis. These preservation methods encompass various non-surgical and surgical techniques, lifestyle modifications, and treatments designed to reduce stress on the joints, promote joint health, and potentially slow the progression of cartilage wear and tear. They are particularly relevant in sports medicine, orthopedics, and rheumatology, where preventing cartilage damage is essential for maintaining joint function and minimizing pain and disability.
Cartilage preservation is essential for maintaining joint function, reducing the progression of cartilage damage, and minimizing pain and disability, particularly in individuals with these indications.
Cartilage preservation procedures encompass a range of techniques tailored to the extent of cartilage damage and the patient's specific needs. These approaches can involve minimally invasive methods like arthroscopic debridement, where damaged or loose cartilage fragments are removed, or microfracture, which creates tiny holes in the bone beneath damaged cartilage to stimulate the growth of new cartilage-like tissue. More complex procedures include cartilage repair techniques like autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), where healthy cartilage cells are implanted into the damaged area. Alternatively, osteochondral allografts involve transplanting healthy cartilage and bone tissue from a donor to replace damaged cartilage. Autografts may also be utilized, transferring cartilage from a less weight-bearing part of the joint to the affected area.
In addition to surgical interventions, cartilage preservation strategies encompass non-invasive approaches, such as physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve stability. Weight management plays a vital role, as maintaining a healthy body weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, effectively preserving cartilage. Lifestyle modifications, like avoiding high-impact activities and behaviors that may exacerbate cartilage wear and tear, are integral to cartilage preservation, as these efforts collectively aim to reduce pain, enhance joint function, and delay the progression of cartilage degeneration. The selection of a specific procedure or approach is based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition and the recommendations of doctors.
