Cartilage Damage
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Howard Anthony Rose, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine located in Manhasset, NY & Upper East Side, New York, NY
If you have persistent swelling or pain in your hip or knee joint due to cartilage damage, you can find solutions at the office of Howard Anthony Rose MD PC. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rose offers minimally invasive surgery at his two locations in Manhasset, New York, and Manhattan’s Upper East Side. He tailors a surgical plan that focuses on restoring joint function and ensuring you enjoy long-lasting pain relief. Schedule a consultation for cartilage damage repair by calling the office of Howard Anthony Rose MD PC nearest you or by requesting an appointment online today.
Cartilage Damage Q & A
What causes cartilage damage?
Within your hip and knee joints is protective cartilage that lines the ends of your bones and helps the joint move smoothly. A variety of injuries can damage this cartilage and reduce its effectiveness in protecting your joints.
Some of the most common causes of cartilage damage include:
Direct trauma
Traumatic injuries from a fall or an auto accident can cause the cartilage to tear. You may also experience cartilage damage when engaging in high-impact sports, like football and soccer.
Sedentary lifestyle
If you don’t exercise regularly or you live a sedentary life, your cartilage can become weak and damaged over time. You may be more prone to cartilage damage if you have underlying health issues that limit your mobility.
Age-related wear and tear
As you get older, continued pressure on your joint can cause your cartilage to break down and wear out. You may also be at increased risk for cartilage damage due to increased pressure on the joint from obesity or overuse injuries.
What are the symptoms of cartilage damage?
When you develop damage in the cartilage of your knee or hip, you may experience a persistent stiffness in your joints that makes it difficult to move.
Other common signs that you may have cartilage damage include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth around the joint
- Reduced joint flexibility and range of motion
In the event a piece of cartilage breaks off, it can lock your joint into place and lead to internal bleeding and bruising around your joint.
How is cartilage damage diagnosed?
To determine if your pain and other symptoms relate to cartilage damage, Dr. Rose reviews your lifestyle and medical history. He also physically examines your knee to identify areas of tenderness and swelling.
To evaluate the severity of the cartilage damage, Dr. Rose may use imaging tests, like an MRI or X-rays.
In some cases, Dr. Rose may perform a diagnostic arthroscopy, a surgical procedure that uses a special scope with an attached camera to explore the inner structures of your joint.
How is cartilage damage treated?
If your pain and other symptoms of damaged cartilage aren’t treatable with conservative therapies, like medications and physical therapy, Dr. Rose may recommend surgery.
A common procedure for treating damaged cartilage is to remove the tissue and smooth the remaining cartilage to reduce irritation. Dr. Rose may also remove healthy cartilage from other areas of your body and use it to replace damaged cartilage to promote healing.
Dr. Rose monitors your progress after surgery and may start you on home exercises or physical therapy to restore strength and function in your knee or hip joint.
To find out if you’re a candidate for surgery to repair damaged cartilage, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rose at the office of Howard Anthony Rose MD PC nearest you by phone or through the online booking system.
