Cartilage Defects

A cartilage defect is damage to the smooth cartilage that cushions a joint, most commonly the knee, caused by trauma, injury, or conditions such as osteonecrosis or osteochondritis. At Rocky Point Stem Cell Therapy, stem cell therapy is used to help address cartilage damage and relieve the pain and limited range of motion that cartilage defects can cause.

Cartilage defects are not the same as arthritis, though they can cause severe pain and limited range of motion if left untreated, and can lead to ligament and meniscal injuries, especially in people who already have arthritis. Traditional treatments for these issues are often limited, so it is important to seek evaluation early so the defect can be properly addressed.

Identifying Cartilage Defects

  • Symptoms of cartilage damage vary, ranging from pain and swelling to joint locking.
  • Cartilage injury can also lead to muscle wastage and weakening around the joint.
  • Taking preventive measures helps keep joints functioning properly and reduces the risk of cartilage damage.
  • Advanced imaging techniques help identify cartilage damage with greater precision.
  • MRI and X-ray scans may not always reveal the injury, but more advanced imaging can detect even subtle changes in knee cartilage.
  • Early diagnosis of cartilage damage reduces the risk of irreversible damage and associated complications.
  • Arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for identifying cartilage defects, providing the highest accuracy and reliability.
  • Cartilage defects are categorized into four grades according to severity, ranging from Grade 0 (healthy, normal cartilage) to Grade 4 (torn cartilage exposing the underlying bone).
  • Grade 1 defects present with blisters and soft spots, while Grade 2 defects show visible minor tears.
  • Grade 3 cartilage defects frequently present as lesions and deep crevices, affecting about 50% of the cartilage.
  • Grade 4 is the most severe type of defect, where the cartilage is torn to an extent that exposes the underlying bone.
  • The size of a cartilage defect helps determine its extent, with small defects measuring less than two centimeters squared.
  • The location of the defect is also an important factor, as it can influence which repair options are available.

Treatment Options for Cartilage Defects

  • Conservative treatments for cartilage defects include OTC or prescription medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections.
  • More advanced treatments include microfracture, which stimulates cartilage growth to repair damaged areas.
  • Cartilage transfer is a procedure where healthy cartilage is removed and placed in the damaged area to aid healing. Cartilage implantation is a treatment option where lab-grown cartilage cells are implanted into the joint to help repair and regenerate tissue. Both methods have been successful for some patients.

Stem Cell Therapy for Cartilage Defects

  • Stem cell therapy is a potential treatment for repairing cartilage defects, including those found in osteoarthritis and knee articular cartilage damage.
  • Studies conducted by the Hospital for Special Surgery show that Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy could be effective in helping to repair moderate knee arthritis caused by cartilage degradation in more than three-fourths of patients studied.
  • While still considered experimental, this treatment has shown promise in helping to improve the quality of cartilage in patients with these conditions.
  • An animal study published in the journal Stem Cells showed promising results for the injection of stem cells into knees with large cartilage defects.
  • Taken together with the HSS study, these results suggest that some patients may be able to avoid surgery and experience pain relief and cartilage support, not only for cartilage defects of the knee but also in other joints such as the hips, shoulders, ankles, wrists, and elbows.

Cartilage defects are closely related to other joint and bone conditions we treat, including fractures and nonunions. Learn more about our full Musculoskeletal stem cell therapy options, or view our Stem Cell Knee Repair Treatment, since the knee is the joint most often affected by cartilage defects.

Cartilage Defects FAQs

A cartilage defect is damage to the smooth cartilage that cushions a joint, most often the knee, caused by trauma, injury, or conditions like osteonecrosis or osteochondritis. It is not the same as arthritis, though it can lead to similar pain and limited motion.

Cartilage defects are graded from 0 to 4 based on severity. Grade 0 is healthy cartilage, Grade 1 shows blisters or soft spots, Grade 2 has visible minor tears, Grade 3 shows lesions and deep crevices affecting about half the cartilage, and Grade 4 is a full tear that exposes the underlying bone.

MRI and X-ray imaging are commonly used, though they may not always reveal the full extent of damage. Arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment ranges from conservative care, such as medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections, to more advanced procedures like microfracture, cartilage transfer, and cartilage implantation.

Stem cell therapy is being studied for cartilage defects, including those related to osteoarthritis and knee articular cartilage damage, with research from the Hospital for Special Surgery and an animal study published in Stem Cells both showing promising results.

No. While the knee is the most common site, cartilage defects and the treatments used for them can also apply to other joints, including the hips, shoulders, ankles, wrists, and elbows.

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