Articular (Hyaline) Cartilage

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Found in load‐bearing joint surfaces in synovial joints.

Histology

• Type II collagen
• Higher GAG- attracts H2O

Function

The tissue matrix of healthy cartilage bears ~15% of load

Injury

OA: progressive failure mechanism:

1. Single high‐magnitude OR repetitive stress resulting in perforation of articular cartilage.
2. Decreasd fluid pressurization resulting in load transfer from fluid to tissue matrix
3. Increased stress on tissue matrix results in further damage
4. RESULTS:
   • Erosion of articular cartilage resulting in exposure of subchondral bone resulting in pain
   • Decreased ability to withstand loads

Repair of articular cartilage often incomplete due to poor vascularization