The ends of the bones of the knee, thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia) and knee cap (patella) are covered in cartilage for smooth joint motion. Cartilage problems can range from ulcers (where an injury can cause a defect in the cartilage) or degeneration eventually leading to osteoarthritis. Inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis can also cause damage to the cartilage of the knee.
Symptoms
- Pain in the knee
- Associated knee swelling
- Decreased movement of the knee joint
- Deformity of the knee in advanced knee arthritis
Diagnosis
Early problems of the cartilage are usually picked up on a MRI scan while advanced degenerative changes (such as osteoarthritis of the knee) can be seen on X-rays of the knee.
Types of treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Knee Brace
- Anti-inflammatory Medications
- Keyhole, minimally invasive meniscus surgery with cartilage repair or regenerative procedures
- Knee Replacement (partial or total)
