Cartilage damage

Cartilage damage can be caused by injuries such as falls or sports accidents, but also by overloading, instability or misalignment. The knee joints are often affected, but other joints such as the hip or ankle can also be affected. In some cases, the damage is congenital.

The symptoms are often pain, swelling and limited mobility of the affected joint. As the cartilage itself has no nerves, pain is often an indicator of damage that is already advanced.

In most cases, treatment begins conservatively, i.e. without surgery. Immobilisation, physiotherapy and painkillers can help to alleviate the symptoms. Special exercises to strengthen the muscles can also have a supportive effect.

If conservative measures are not sufficient or the damage is more severe, surgery may be necessary. During surgical treatment, the damaged cartilage is either removed or repaired using special techniques, for example cartilage transplantation or microfracturing. In some cases, the affected area is filled with the body's own tissue or synthetic materials. The choice of method depends on the extent of the damage and the age of the child.

Without treatment, cartilage damage can lead to progressive deterioration of the joint and eventually to osteoarthritis. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, the prospects are good. Conservative treatment can often provide sufficient relief, while surgery can bring about a significant improvement in severe cases. Good follow-up treatment is important to ensure that the joint develops well in the long term.