Cartilage Injury

Cartilage Injury Care at UVM Health

Your knee is made up of three bones covered with protective tissue called articular cartilage. This cartilage absorbs shock and allows your knee to move smoothly and easily. Any damage to the articular cartilage can lead to pain, inflammation and difficulty participating in your usual activities.

At University of Vermont Health, expert sports medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists help you get back on your feet. Our team includes specialized physicians who volunteer with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. When you choose us for cartilage injury treatment, you are in the hands of some of the top orthopedic specialists in Vermont and northern New York.

A rehabilitation specialist helps a patient stretch his knee.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:

Advanced imaging: Radiologists with fellowship training in musculoskeletal imaging use high-strength MRIs to evaluate cartilage injuries. This technique allows us to obtain higher-quality images, which are crucial for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Patient-centered approach: Your care team spends time with you to learn more about your concerns, goals and treatment preferences in order to create a personalized care plan. We always start with nonsurgical treatments and only recommend surgery when it’s the most effective option.
Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers at the forefront of research into knee care and always bring you the most up-to-date treatments available.

Causes of Cartilage Injury

Articular cartilage injuries are common sports injuries. Cartilage damage can occur during non-contact injuries (a fall or twisted knee) or contact injuries, such as football tackles.

Many people experience cartilage injuries along with other knee injuries, such as meniscal tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Older adults can also experience cartilage damage as their articular cartilage wears out over time (osteoarthritis).

Diagnosing Cartilage Injuries

When diagnosing a cartilage injury, your specialist will physically examine your knee. They’ll ask about your symptoms, including when they started, how they’ve progressed and what, if anything, relieves them.

They may also use imaging to get a detailed look at your bones and soft tissues, including:

X-rays: Use low doses of radiation to create an image of your bones
MRIs: Use magnets and radio waves to get a close look at your soft tissues

Cartilage Injury Treatment

Many cartilage injuries heal without surgery. Our team recommends a personalized treatment approach based on the severity of your injury, your age and your activity levels. Your treatment may include:

Weight Loss for Cartilage Injuries

Sometimes, losing weight helps reduce stress on your knee joint and improves the symptoms of a cartilage problem. Our team may connect you with a weight loss coach who can help you lose weight safely and sustainably.

Physical Therapy for Cartilage Injuries

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve your knee mobility and strength. You may also participate in physical therapy to help increase your stability and strength after knee surgery.

Bracing for Cartilage Injuries

You may need to wear a knee brace or sleeve to increase stability. A brace can help you shift your weight and improve your knee alignment to improve symptoms. Your doctor may recommend wearing a brace along with other nonsurgical treatments such as weight loss, physical therapy or injections.