Patients with Grade 1 Chondromalacia typically experience pain with intense activity as the cartilage is not protecting the underlying bone as normal cartilage. At the time of arthroscopy, this cartilage is easily indented when touched with a probe. Grade 1 – This involves cartilage that has lost its normal structure and is soft upon palpation. Grade 0 – This indicates normal cartilage with a firm feel to palpation and no surface abnormalities. Grade 0 indicates normal cartilage, with Grade 4 indicating complete loss of cartilage with exposed underlying bone. ![]() When questioning these patients, there is often a family history of arthritis in their parents and siblings.ĭamaged cartilage is graded from Grade 0 to Grade 4. In fact, it is not uncommon to see patients still in their 30’s or 40’s with advanced cartilage damage without any history of injury. It is evident that some patient’s cartilage is more prone to degenerative changes than others. It is important to note that cartilage is not created equal in all people. This doesn’t mean that everyone who has some cartilage damage has or will ultimately get arthritis, but it is the precursor to the development of an arthritic joint. Without blood, growth factors that initiate healing cannot get to the injured area and initiate a healing response.Ĭartilage damage is what ultimately leads to arthritis. Unlike other tissues in our body, injured cartilage does not have the ability to heal as it does not have a blood supply. The cartilage surface can be sheared off the end of the bone, exposing the underlying bony surface. It can be injured from this repetitive stress or from a single traumatic event. ![]() This pressure is increased significantly during activities such as running and jumping. Many factors can contribute to cartilage damage, including age-related degeneration of cartilage, excessive weight, repetitive or acute injuries.ĭuring normal activities of life, the cartilage is exposed to extreme pressure. ![]() In the knee, for example, this occurs during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Articular cartilage is a very durable material that provides a smooth and impact resistant surface and allows the bones to glide over one another during the range of motion. Cartilage is the material that covers the ends of the bones where they contact to become the joint.
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