Knee cartilage & arthritis

Question 1

Hyaline cartilage contains proteoglycans and collagen.

Proteoglycans provide the cartilage with _______ strength, whilst the collagen fibres give ______ strength.

Answer 1

compressive strength (PGs)

tensile strength

Question 2

How does Osteochondritis dissecans arise?

Answer 2

1. An area of bone at the knee loses its blood supply.

2. It becomes deteched from the healthy bone

Question 3

List four Cartillage Regeneration techniques.

Answer 3

1. Drilling - induces stem cell production
2. Osteochondral autograft / allograft
3. Mosacplasty - combine several grafts
4. MACI - membrane induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (grow membrane in lab)

Question 4

When are cartilage regeneration techinques not appropriate?

Answer 4

In arthritis or joint instability

Question 5

How should steroids injections be used in osteoarthritis management?

Answer 5

Limited use.

• up to 3 injections for acute flare ups
• further use accelerate OA development

Question 6

Osteotomy can be used in osteoarthritis resulting from varus knee deformity. What is it?

Answer 6

Realignment of the knees, which changes the weight distribution

Question 7

When is knee replacement use appropriate?

Answer 7

Elderly patients with end-stage arthritis