Biological treatment of joint cartilage damage.

The structure and composition of articular cartilage provides unique mechanical properties which effectively dampen and distribute loads during weightbearing. Acute traumatic damage to the articular cartilage destroys the original structure and composition of the articular cartilage and impairs its function. Lesions in articular cartilage can cause patients severe disabling symptoms from the affected joint. These symptoms also run the risk of developing into degenerative osteoarthrosis with time. Unfortunately, articular cartilage does not have any real ability to heal itself after injury. Different treatment methods have been developed in an attempt to restore the function of the injured joint and to prevent further deterioration in the articular cartilage. Some of these methods have produced promising results in clinical studies, but further research is necessary to establish their efficacy and indications for treatment. Today, no controlled studies that compare these different methods are available.