These are the symptoms of cartilage baldness

Cartilage baldness is characterized by similar symptoms as other cartilage damage. Typically, pain occurs in the affected joint. These are particularly noticeable when the joint is subjected to stress.

At rest, however, the symptoms are not as severe. In the course of the disease, the lack of a protective layer also leads to the destruction of the bone in the joint. In most cases, this results in major functional limitations of the joint.

Not only is there more pain under stress, but also movement restrictions of the affected joint must be expected. In addition to the pain under load, the joint can also react with swelling and inflammation. More fluid accumulates in the joint, which further restricts mobility.

The inflammation can also make itself felt by reddening and overheating of the affected joint. Once this advanced state has been reached in the joint, a vicious circle often develops. Due to the lack of a cartilage layer, the joint is irritated and inflamed, and the inflammation in turn causes more damage to the cartilage and bone. At this point it is advisable to also deal with the following articles:

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Diagnosis of cartilage baldness

The diagnosis of cartilage baldness consists of several examinations. A diagnosis usually begins with the medical history. The doctor will ask about the symptoms of the person concerned.

It is important to know whether the affected joint has been subjected to increased stress. In a physical examination, movement restrictions of the joint can be examined. In addition, the joint should be examined for injuries to other structures such as ligaments and bones.

The final diagnosis can often only be made after imaging. This is initially done with an X-ray image. If the diagnosis is not clear afterwards, an MRI can also be performed.

Only in the rarest cases does one actually have to look inside the joint to be able to detect cartilage baldness. This would be possible within the scope of an arthroscopy, in which case a therapy of the cartilage bald patch can be performed directly. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Only small skin incisions are made in the area of the joint. Through these incisions, various small surgical instruments can be inserted into the joint on long rods.Usually two to three such joint accesses are necessary. One access is used to introduce a camera into the joint, the other accesses are used to insert surgical instruments such as forceps or small scalpels.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that is particularly gentle on the joint, as the joint is only minimally exposed. When treating cartilage baldness, the instruments are first used to remove the damaged cartilage material, after which new cartilage cells can be inserted into the resulting hole. Alternatively, microfracturing is performed. You can find all important information on this topic at

Complications of arthroscopy