Knee Condition

Cartilage Damage and Osteochondral Lesions

Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Articular cartilage is the smooth, gliding surface that caps the bones in your knee. When it is damaged it does not heal on its own — but there is a great deal that modern surgery can do.

Dr. Yousef Muhammad

German Board-Certified Consultant Knee & Shoulder Surgeon

German Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
DKG Certified Knee Surgeon
AGA Certified Arthroscopic Surgeon
GOTS Certified Sports Physician
FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
International Experience (Germany & GCC)
Former Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery (Germany)
14+ Years of Experience

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Articular cartilage is the glassy-smooth, white tissue covering the ends of the bones inside the knee. It lets the joint glide with almost no friction and spreads load across the surface. Unlike most tissues, it has no blood supply — so once damaged, it cannot repair itself.

Anatomy diagram

1. Anatomy & Overview

Articular cartilage is the glassy-smooth, white tissue covering the ends of the bones inside the knee.

Clinical examination

2. Signs & Symptoms

Pain — with activity, localised to one part of the knee.

Diagnostic imaging

3. Diagnosis & Imaging

Because cartilage does not show on a plain X-ray, an MRI is central to diagnosis — it maps the size, depth and location of the defect and the state of the bone beneath.

Treatment

4. Treatment Options

The approach depends on the size and depth of the defect, your age and activity, and the overall health of the joint.

Rehabilitation

5. Recovery & Rehabilitation

Cartilage procedures demand patience: the new tissue must mature and bond before it is loaded, so recovery is protected and gradual — typically several months, with a staged return to impact.

“ Clinical Note from Dr. Yousef Muhammad

Articular cartilage is the smooth, gliding surface that caps the bones in your knee. When it is damaged it does not heal on its own — but there is a great deal that modern surgery can do.

Dr. Yousef Muhammad

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can articular cartilage damage heal on its own without intervention?

Articular cartilage lacks a direct blood supply, meaning full-thickness defects rarely heal on their own. While non-surgical options like muscle strengthening, unloader bracing, and targeted injections can manage symptoms in focal lesions, progressive cartilage defects often require regenerative or surgical restoration to prevent early joint arthritis.

How long does protected weight-bearing last after cartilage repair surgery?

Protected weight-bearing using crutches and a knee brace is typically required for 4 to 6 weeks following cartilage restoration. This protection period ensures that the newly formed tissue or graft matures securely under controlled conditions before absorbing full body weight.

What surgical options are available to repair or regenerate knee cartilage?

Advanced arthroscopic techniques include microfracture (drilling small holes to stimulate fibrocartilage growth), matrix-induced chondrogenesis, and osteochondral autograft or allograft transplantation (OAT/mosaicplasty). The optimal technique is selected based on the lesion size, location, and the patient’s physical demands.

When can patients return to sports and high-impact activities after cartilage surgery?

Returning to sports requires a gradual biological healing process, usually taking between 6 to 12 months depending on the repair technique and defect size. Progress is monitored closely through functional strength tests and follow-up imaging to ensure joint safety.

Can intra-articular injections (such as Hyaluronic Acid or PRP) repair damaged cartilage?

Intra-articular injections do not regenerate lost structural cartilage, but they provide substantial symptomatic relief by improving joint lubrication and reducing local inflammatory cytokines. They are particularly effective in mild-to-moderate articular cartilage wear to restore pain-free motion.

Note: This information is for general education only and should not replace a consultation with your doctor.