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Knee Cartilage Injury
Dr. Ambrose Yung
What is a Knee Cartilage Injury?
A knee cartilage injury occurs when the soft, cushioning tissue inside the knee joint is damaged. This damage can cause the cartilage to break down or tear, leading to difficulty in knee movement.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Knee cartilage injuries are fairly common and can happen to people of all ages, particularly those active in sports or with physically demanding jobs.
Causes & Risk Factors of Knee Cartilage Injuries
Knee cartilage injuries can occur during high-impact sports and activities. Several factors can increase this risk:
- Trauma or Injury: Sudden impacts or falls, especially in sports, can damage the knee cartilage, leading to pain, swelling and restricted mobility.
- Overuse: Repeated activities that apply pressure on the knees can gradually wear down the cartilage, making it more vulnerable to knee cartilage injuries over time.
- Ageing: As we age, the cartilage in our knees naturally becomes thinner and less flexible, increasing the risk of injury, especially after the age of 50.
- Genetics: Genetics can have an impact on knee cartilage health. Individuals with a family history of knee problems may have an increased risk of injury.
Symptoms of Knee Cartilage Injuries
The symptoms of a knee cartilage injury can vary depending on the severity of the damage. Common signs include:
- Pain and Swelling
You may feel pain in the knee, especially when moving or putting weight on it. The knee may become swollen, appear puffier than usual, and feel tender to the touch. - Stiffness
The knee may feel stiff, making it difficult to bend or straighten fully. - Catching, Grinding or Locking
The knee may catch or lock during movement, sometimes accompanied by a grinding sound. - Reduced Range of Motion
Over time, you may find it more difficult to move your knee as freely as before.
Diagnosis of Knee Cartilage Injuries
To accurately diagnose knee cartilage injuries, a combination of methods are used to confirm their presence and rule out other knee problems.
- Medical history and symptoms review: The doctor evaluates your symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the knee, as well as any recent injuries or activities that could have resulted in damage.
- Physical examination: This includes assessing the range of motion, stability, and tenderness in the knee. The doctor may also use specific manoeuvres to detect cartilage damage, such as bending and rotating the knee.
- Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging and X-rays): MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including cartilage, making it one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing cartilage injuries by revealing the exact location and severity of damage. While X-rays cannot show cartilage directly, they are useful for ruling out fractures and detecting joint space narrowing, which may indicate cartilage loss or degeneration.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy may be performed where a small camera is inserted into the knee joint to allow direct visualisation of the cartilage, which can help confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the injury.
Treatment Options for Knee Cartilage Injuries
Non-surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatments can help manage pain and improve knee function, while supporting the healing process. Here are some common non-surgical options:
- Physical Therapy: A personalised physical therapy programme can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion. Low-impact exercises are often recommended.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Knee joint injections: Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, while hyaluronic acid injections offer lubrication and pain relief for smaller cartilage lesions.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery for knee cartilage injuries is considered when the damage is significant and other treatments have failed. It aims to repair or replace damaged cartilage, restore knee function and reduce pain.
Revision Knee Arthroplasty
Revision knee arthroplasty is performed when a previous knee replacement is no longer functioning properly due to wear, infection, or mechanical issues. The surgeon removes the old implant and replaces it with a new one.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee while keeping the healthy areas untouched. This procedure typically results in a quicker recovery and more natural knee movement compared to a total knee replacement.
Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
This procedure uses smaller incisions to repair or replace parts of the knee. This usually causes less pain and allows for a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Reducing the Risk of Knee Cartilage Injuries
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help lower the risk of knee cartilage injuries. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling strengthen the muscles around the knee without stressing the cartilage. Wearing proper footwear during activities also supports the knees and reduces the risk of injury. Regular check-ups, particularly for individuals with a history of knee issues, can help in early detection and management of further knee damage.
Our Clinic Locations
Spire Hip & Knee Centre
6 Napier Road #08-04
Singapore 258499
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Spire Orthopaedic Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre
101 Irrawaddy Road, #18-03
Singapore 329565
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the recovery time following knee cartilage surgery?
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the severity of the injury. Patients should avoid putting weight on the affected knee for a few weeks and follow a physical therapy programme for 3 to 6 months to get back to full knee movement.
Can knee cartilage injuries heal on their own?
Cartilage typically does not heal well on its own due to limited blood flow. Small injuries may improve with rest, but larger injuries often require surgery.
Can I go back to sports or exercise after knee cartilage surgery?
Yes, you can usually return to sports or exercise after surgery, depending on your recovery progress. It is recommended to begin with gentle activities before gradually progressing to more intense ones.