If you suffer from joint pain, you’re not alone. Each year, more than 50 million people visit their doctors because of joint pain — half of them with a damage of the articular cartilage.
On this website, you can find useful, updated information on specific cartilage-related conditions and possible treatments options, written by world-renowned experts in this field, helpful patient information to read and download, and other useful resources
The choice of procedures depends on the size and location of cartilage defect. Larger defects are typically treated with autologous chondrocyte transplantation, osteochondral allograft transplantation, or newer synthetic or natural scaffolds which may require open incisions. Smaller defects in specific locations may be treated with enhanced bone marrow stimulating techniques, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral autograft transfer which may be completed through the arthroscope. There is also a chapter for conservative treatments options and rehabilitation after cartilage repair.
Intended Audience for this Website
People of all ages can suffer from cartilage complications, whether due to ‘wear and tear’ or injury. While the former is much more common in middle-aged patients, and even more so in women, injuries to the joints, such as trauma or accidents during active sports, can affect any age group or gender. Careers requiring repetitive or intense motion can increase the risk of developing cartilage problems, but there are several other risk factors, including age, weight and genetic predisposition.
What is Cartilage Repair?
On this website, we focus only on articular cartilage repair treatments, which means the restoration of damaged hyaline cartilage in the joints. Cartilage repair and regeneration is a treatment for joints that have damaged cartilage but are otherwise healthy. Typically, these procedures are recommended for cartilage damage or deterioration caused by:
Injury or trauma, including sports injuries or repetitive use of the joint Congenital abnormalities – abnormalities a person is born with (for instance misalignment) – that affect normal joint structure Hormonal or idiopathic disorders that affect bone and joint development, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). There are several types of new and modern procedures for cartilage repair and regeneration techniques that are designed to heal the cartilage by filling the cartilage defect (pothole) with repair tissue.
What is not covered in this Website?
There are several types of bone and joint pain, each with many potential sources or etiologies. This site is not intended for people who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, avascular necrosis (AVN), and cancer within bones, osteoporosis and other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
Acknowledgements
To the Mäxi Foundation:
This website project would not have been possible without the substantial support of the Swiss “Mäxi Foundation”. The ICRS would like to express a deep gratitude for this very generous contribution to the International Cartilage Repair Society and the respective patient community, making it possible to provide updated information about cartilage damage and cartilage repair technologies free of charge to all interested persons.
To the Authors & Contributors:
The following world-renowned experts in cartilage repair & cartilage research have contributed to the extensive content of this website: Stephen Abelow (USA), William Bugbee (USA), Susan Chubinskaya (USA), Brian Cole (USA), Stefano Della Villa (IT), Chris Erggelet (CH), Jack Farr (USA), Ralph Gambardella (USA), Michael Gerhardt (USA), Wayne Gersoff (USA), Alan Getgood (CA), Alberto Gobbi (IT), Laszlo Hangody (HU), Oliver Kessler (CH), Elizaveta Kon (IT), Jos Malda (NL), Bert Mandelbaum (USA), Tom Minas (USA), Kai Mithoefer (USA), Stefan Nehrer (AT), Lars Peterson (SE), Scott Gillogly (USA), Holly Silvers (USA), Jason Theodosakis (USA) and Kenneth Zaslav (USA)
To anyone else who contributed to this important project
ICRS Office Staff, Medical Writers, Committees, Illustrators and Web Developers, etc.
Terms of Use
These terms of use, together with our Privacy Policy collectively, these “Terms of Use”, governs access to and any use of the website cartilage.org and any sub-sites (the “Website“), including any content, functionality and services offered on or through the Website. By using the Website or by clicking to accept or agree to the Terms of Use when that option is made available, visitors of the Website accept and agree to bound and abide by the Terms of Use on behalf of all users of the respective computer. Visitors who do not agree with these Terms of Use must not access or use the Website.
International Cartilage Repair Society (“ICRS”) (“we” or “us”) may revise and update these Terms of Use from time to time in our sole discretion. All changes are effective immediately when we post them. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of revised Terms of Use means that you accept and agree to the changes. You are expected to check this page from time to time so that you are aware of any changes, as they are binding on you.
The information on the Website is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any cartilage related issues. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding your medical condition.
Privacy Policy
This privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”), together with the Terms of Use for the patient website section, applies to any use of the website cartilage.org and any sub-sites (the “Website”), including any content, functionality and services offered on or through the Website. By using the Website or by clicking to accept or agree to the Terms of Use when that option is made available, visitors of the Website accept and agree on behalf of all users of the respective computer to be bound and abide by the Terms of Use and this Privacy Policy. Visitors who do not agree with the Terms of Use and this Privacy Policy must not access or use the Website.
International Cartilage Repair Society (“ICRS”) (“we” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is protected. This Privacy Policy explains the types of personal information we collect and how we use, disclose and protect that information.
False Possitive or not
Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with grade 1 chondromalacia patella in 2014, the MRT results also gave the same diagnosis. One year after this went to another doctor, who told me that grade 1 chondromalacia cannot be easily seen with an MRT and that what I had where pain after overuse of the patella during a trekking excursion. I had another MRT done to the knie and no signs of chondromalacia or where present, everything seemed normal on the exam results. Now the question is, how can I be sure if I have it or not. Arthroscopy seems to be a little too extreme just to be sure.6 repliesF MFootball and Knee Injury
I'm a person who's suffering from cartilage damage in the knee ( soccer...and im still playing...im 31 years old ) and i would like to know what is the best way for me to improve my health in that area. Im in very good shape but lately i feel more pain on the field.3 repliesSteven KonnerOptions instead of Knee Replacement
Hi, I am writing on behalf of my mum, who has quite severe osteoarthritis in her right hip joint and is keen to know whether cartilage repair is a viable option (instead of joint replacement). Do you know if anyone in Australia is involved in cartilage repair for osteoarthritis? Alternatively, is cartilage repair treatment being offered for hip osteoarthritis in other countries? If it isn't currently being offered as a treatment, is there a database to register your interest in being part of a clinical trial for osteoarthritis and cartilage repair? Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time in answering my questions. Kind regards, Andrew Taylor1 replyAndrew TaylorNutritional Therapy??
Hello, My name is Andrea, I am studying Nutritional Therapy in Bristol, UK, and I would like to know if there is anything a patient can do nutritionally, before and after having autologus chondrocyte implantation (stem cell regenerated cartilage) at the knee joint, in order to support its body accept the chondrocytes and lead to successful implantation. Any advice or guidance into research regarding nutritional support for this kind of operation would be greatly appreciated.ReplyAndreaGreat Information- Suggestion Needed
Hello! I have had ongoing pains in my ankle for the past 5 years, I am looking at any kind of help to preserve or re generate damaged ankle cartilage. I know of fusion and ankle replacement but i am hoping for another option as i am very active. Are there any treatments that are less invasive?1 replyJane GodallCartilage injuries after ski
I had an accident when I was 23 and my knee was hurt. Is there anyone who are similar age and successfully recovered?ReplyEdison