Orthopaedic Surgery/Articular Tissues

Articular tissues

1. Definition and Structure:
   • Articular cartilage is a specialized connective tissue found in synovial joints.
   • It consists of hyaline cartilage with a dense extracellular matrix (ECM).
   • The ECM primarily contains collagen, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.
   • Chondrocytes, specialized cells within the cartilage, are scattered throughout.
   • Remarkably, articular cartilage lacks blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic tissue.
2. Function:
   • The main role of articular cartilage is to provide an optimal surface for joint movement.
   • It prevents friction between bones during articulation.
   • Additionally, it facilitates the transmission of loads to the underlying bone.
3. Clinical Importance:
   • Articular cartilage injuries can lead to significant musculoskeletal dysfunction.
   • Unfortunately, cartilage has limited healing ability, emphasizing the need for preservation.