Cartilage Repair or Removal
Cartilage is a firm and flexible connective tissue located throughout the body in joints, between bones, in the intervertebral discs, in the rib cage, and in the ear, nose, elbow, knee, and ankle. Like other connective tissues, cartilage is made of collagen fibers, but unlike other connective tissues, it does not contain blood vessels. This causes cartilage to repair and re-grow slowly. Cartilage can be damaged or degenerate due to a number of different disorders, most notably osteoarthritis. When cartilage is damaged, arthroscopy may be used to repair or remove the damaged tissue to facilitate motion in joints.