Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

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What is Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee?

Articular cartilage lesions in the knee involve damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones within the joint. This condition can result from trauma or degenerative changes and often leads to pain, reduced mobility, and, if untreated, may progress to osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical to prevent long-term complications.

Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee Statistics

  • Articular cartilage lesions are present in approximately 60% of knee arthroscopies, with a higher prevalence in individuals engaged in high-impact sports.
  • The medial femoral condyle (34%) and the patellar surface (36%) are the most common sites of cartilage lesions.
  • Source: PubMed
  • Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee Anatomy

  • The knee joint consists of the femur, tibia, patella, and fibula, all of which are covered by articular cartilage that facilitates smooth movement.
  • The knee has three main articulations: tibiofemoral, patellofemoral, and tibiofibular, all of which are involved in the movement and load-bearing functions of the joint.
  • Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee
    Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain, especially during physical activity, prolonged sitting, or stair climbing.
  • Intermittent swelling that is often related to activity.
  • Joint stiffness and a reduced range of motion.
  • Crepitus or a grinding sensation during knee movement.
  • Causes of Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

  • Trauma from sports injuries or accidents.
  • Axial malalignment of the knee, leading to uneven load distribution.
  • Repetitive microtrauma from overuse or high-impact activities.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions.
  • Risk Factors for Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

  • Participation in high-impact sports like football or skiing.
  • Previous knee injuries, such as ACL tears or meniscus damage.
  • Obesity, which increases the load on the knee joints.
  • Genetic predispositions, including collagen synthesis disorders.
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    Prevalence of Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

  • Chondral lesions are found in 60% of patients undergoing knee arthroscopy.
  • The prevalence of cartilage lesions increases with age and activity level.
  • Meniscal tears and ACL injuries often accompany cartilage lesions, occurring in 37% and 36% of cases, respectively.
  • Assessment & Diagnosis of Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

  • Physical examination to assess pain, range of motion, and joint stability.
  • X-rays can identify joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other degenerative changes, though they do not visualize cartilage directly.
  • MRI provides detailed images of the cartilage, allowing for precise assessment of the size, location, and depth of lesions.
  • Arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing and grading cartilage lesions, allowing direct visualization and palpation of the joint surfaces.
  • Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy for Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

  • Focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through weight-bearing modifications and manual therapy.
  • Exercises to improve joint mobility and strengthen the muscles around the knee to enhance joint stability.
  • Use of modalities such as ultrasound and electrotherapy to promote healing and reduce pain.
  • Customized rehabilitation programs post-surgery to facilitate recovery and restore function.
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    Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee FAQs

    Knee cartilage damage is commonly caused by trauma, such as sports injuries, repetitive stress from high-impact activities, and degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. Axial malalignment of the knee can also contribute to the development of cartilage lesions.

    Articular cartilage lesions are diagnosed using a combination of physical examinations, imaging techniques such as MRI and X-rays, and sometimes arthroscopy, which allows direct visualization of the cartilage damage.

    Yes, physiotherapy can help manage knee cartilage damage by reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and strengthening the muscles around the knee. It is also crucial in rehabilitation after surgical treatments for cartilage lesions.

    Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee References