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Cartilage Injuries

Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics Our Services Cartilage Injuries

Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine Specialists located in Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA

Sports injuries and repetitive wear are common causes of cartilage injuries in children and teenagers. At Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics in the Brentwood neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles, experienced pediatric orthopaedic surgeons Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, and Thomas Grogan, MD, treat these and similar injuries to lessen pain and restore musculoskeletal function. Call the office or use the online booking feature today to schedule an evaluation.

Cartilage Injuries Q&A

What are cartilage injuries?

Cartilage injuries cause damage to cartilage within the body and are some of the most common sports injuries. 

Cartilage is a flexible and strong connective tissue that protects your bones and joints. It acts like a shock absorber, reducing friction and preventing bones from rubbing together within the joints. 

The meniscus is an example of cartilage found in your knee.

What are the symptoms of cartilage injuries?

Cartilage injuries can cause the following symptoms:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Catching feeling when moving the affected joint
  • Joint locking
  • Popping, grating, or crackling sounds within your joint
  • Joint instability
  • Reduced range of motion

These symptoms may present as mild, moderate, or severe and disabling — although some cartilage injuries don’t cause noticeable symptoms. See your child’s orthopaedic specialist at the first sign of a musculoskeletal injury.

What are the risk factors for cartilage injuries?

Risk factors for developing cartilage injuries include:

  • Playing sports
  • Overuse
  • Forceful impacts on the joint
  • Falls
  • Repetitive stress
  • Twisting of the joint
  • Wear-and-tear
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Pivoting or cutting
  • Decelerating 
  • Heavy weightlifting

Cartilage injuries commonly develop within the knee joint but may also appear in the ankle, hip, or shoulder joints.

How are cartilage injuries diagnosed?

Diagnosing cartilage injuries involves discussing your child’s medical history and symptoms, reviewing how the injury occurred, and a physical exam. 

Your doctor may move the affected joint around in different positions and order X-rays, an MRI, arthroscopy, or other diagnostic tests.

How are cartilage injuries treated?

Your child’s personalized treatment plan for cartilage injuries may include:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
  • Medications
  • Altered physical activity
  • Crutches
  • Injections
  • Physical therapy 
  • Shoe inserts or arch supports
  • Surgery

Surgery can repair cartilage or trim damaged tissues. Your orthopaedic surgeon determines which type of surgery, if any, is best suited for your child.

They follow up to ensure the best outcome. It’s important to avoid certain physical activities until healing is complete. Young patients often have the best outcome after cartilage treatment and can usually return to pre-injury activities.

If you suspect your child has a cartilage injury, call Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics or request an appointment online today.

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