Description:
The cartilage in our joints plays an important role in allowing us to move smoothly and efficiently. In a healthy joint, the cartilage releases fluid during activity and replenishes itself during periods of rest.
In everyday life, the six major joints are subject to increased stress. These include the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and ankle joints. Depending on the joint, the cartilage inside can be between 0.5 and 5 millimetres thick. It is made up of four layers and is covered and lubricated by synovial fluid.
The joint cartilage is medically known as hyaline cartilage, derived from the Greek word 'hyalos', because it appears bluish-white and glassy. Compared to other tissues, it has few cells and no blood vessels, which means that it does not heal itself in the event of injury or disease. Articular cartilage consists mainly of water and structural proteins such as collagen and aggrecan. Compared to other tissues, it is poor in cells and lacks blood vessels, which means that it does not heal itself in the event of injury or disease.
Keywords:
Active implantable devices,Regenerative Medicine