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Knee Arthroscopy pp 295–302Cite as

Basic and Current Understanding of Articular Cartilage

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Abstract

Articular cartilage has the unique structural and biomechanical properties to perform inherent functions including load-bearing, frictionless motion during several decades of life. It is composed of specialized cells, chondrocytes, and a largely abundant extracellular matrix which is regulated by various cytokines and growth factors. Articular cartilage shows a viscoelastic property to be able to respond differently to stress and loading. Articular cartilage injuries can be divided into three distinct types based on the depth of injury and each injury type has a different healing response and prognosis. However, intrinsic healing capacity is frequently insufficient for a full recovery. Differences in features between repair cartilage and native cartilage explain the deterioration of repair cartilage over time. Currently, regeneration of hyaline cartilage with biomechanical properties similar to native cartilage has been not achieved yet. Understanding the special architecture and biomechanics of articular cartilage will be the first step to fulfill these unmet needs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Hyuk-Soo Han & Du Hyun Ro

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  1. Hyuk-Soo Han
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  2. Du Hyun Ro
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Correspondence to Hyuk-Soo Han .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic, Hanyang University, Myong Ji Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (Republic of)

    Jin Goo Kim

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Han, HS., Ro, D.H. (2021). Basic and Current Understanding of Articular Cartilage. In: Kim, J.G. (eds) Knee Arthroscopy. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8191-5_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8191-5_24

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