Orthopaedic Surgery/Articular Tissues

Articular tissues 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. 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. Clinical Importance: Articular cartilage injuries can lead to significant musculoskeletal dysfunction. Unfortunately, cartilage has limited healing ability, emphasizing the need for preservation.