Cartilage is the structure found on all movable joint surfaces that allows us to move healthily. Any problem that may arise in the cartilage structure may cause movement impairment and pain. Assistant Orthopedic Specialist. Assoc. Dr. Levent Arslan gave information about cartilage problems and their treatment.
Dr. Levent Arslan, '' Cartilage problems are classified as occurring suddenly (acute) and occurring over a long period of time (chronic). Acute problems of cartilage are problems that often occur after sports and sudden-forceful movements. In this case, cartilage fractures are encountered. The patient experiences pain and limitation of movement due to friction in the fractured area. Sometimes the broken cartilage piece can enter the joint and cause locking in the joint. He explained, "Although such injuries are frequently seen in the knee and ankle, they can occur in all joints, large or small."
Detection of the Fracture Point is Important for Treatment
Dr. said that when deciding on this surgery, factors such as the place where the piece broke off, the size of the piece, and the age of the patient should be taken into consideration. Arslan, '' Sometimes, when the only problem is a locking due to a small piece of cartilage, it is enough to just remove that piece. Chronic, that is, long-term, problems of cartilage are encountered more frequently in daily life. Up to a certain age, cartilage production and self-renewal are sufficient. However, after the age of 40, as the amount of destruction and wear exceeds the production, wear and thinning of the cartilage begins. "These cartilage abrasions may occur more intensely and at an earlier age in repetitive and challenging movements of the joint," he said. Stating that obesity also increases these complaints, Dr. Levent Arslan also made the following statements: "In age-related cartilage problems, treatment planning should be made according to the amount of wear and surface width. When encountered in the early period, movement restriction, weight control, joint circumference Adequate relief can be achieved by methods such as strengthening the muscles and changing sports preferences. In addition to these, cartilage supporting food supplements can also be used. Stating that interventional options can be added to the treatment in moderate cartilage erosions where methods are inadequate, Dr. Arslan, ''The problematic joint is seen with a closed method (arthroscopic), existing abrasions are shaved and then intra-articular injection can be performed to provide temporary relief. "In these applications, which we frequently perform on large joints such as the knee, ankle and elbow, the content of the injection into the joint is decided according to the condition of the cartilage," he said.
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