WHAT ARE CARTILAGE TEARS AND HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ONE?
When cartilage is healthy, it helps you move by allowing your bones to glide over each other, and it protects your bones by preventing them from rubbing against each other.
Because cartilage does not have a good blood supply and can’t repair itself, most cartilage tears require surgery for treatment.
At OASIS, we treat a large number of cartilage tear cases by using minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery. Incisions are small, and recovery time is faster than with open surgery.
When cartilage tears or injuries are left untreated, more permanent joint damage can occur. If you believe you may have damaged cartilage, contact us today to arrange for a consultation.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CARTILAGE TEARS?
When cartilage becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause pain and restricted movement in the affected joint. If left untreated, it could lead to joint damage and deformity.
Sports injuries are common causes of cartilage damage, although genetic factors can contribute, as can some types of arthritis. A breakdown of cartilage is what causes osteoarthritis.
Knees and shoulders are particularly vulnerable to cartilage tears. A misaligned knee joint can contribute to uneven pressure and cartilage tears, thereby causing a torn piece of cartilage that may move abnormally within a joint. When you hear a person say their knee frequently “gives out”, cartilage damage can be a common cause.