Cartilage damage in the knee

Examination of a cartilage damage on the knee

In the Compression (pressure) on the articular surfaces between Kneecap and Thigh bone pain occurs in certain joint positions between flexion and extension of the knee joint.
If the kneecap is mobilized at the same time (the examiner moves the kneecap upwards, downwards and to the side under pressure), roughness may be felt, and it may appear Crepitation noises (crunching) and gliding disorders.

Figure cartilage damage

Illustration of cartilage damage (construction diagram using the example of the knee joint - right knee from the front)
  1. Articular cartilage
    (hyaline cartilage) -
    Cartilago articularis
  2. Cartilage remodeling zone
    in bones -
    Zona ossificationis
  3. Joint body (articular gnar
    of the femur) -
    Femoral condyle
  4. Femur -
    Femur
  5. Articular cartilage -
    Cartilago articularis
  6. Outer band -
    Ligamentum collaterale fibulare
  7. Outer meniscus -
    Lateral meniscus
  8. Inner meniscus -
    Meniscus medialis
  9. Fibula - Fibula
  10. Shin - Tibia

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Treatment of cartilage damage

The treatment from a physiotherapeutic point of view of the cartilage damage takes place with metered compression (not with traction and relief, promotes degeneration and atrophy) within the techniques of the Manual therapy has positive effects on pain behavior and the regeneration of the kneecap cartilage tissue.
Adapted compression improves the metabolic processes of the Cartilage tissue and, through its stress stimulus, corresponds to the functional everyday movements of the patient, which has a positive influence on the cartilage damage to the knee. Only through adequate stress stimuli such as compression and Muscle training functional improvement and pain relief can be achieved in the long term.

Appointment with a knee specialist?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
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The knee joint is one of the joints with the greatest stress.

Therefore, the treatment of the knee joint (e.g. meniscus tear, cartilage damage, cruciate ligament damage, runner's knee, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I treat a wide variety of knee diseases in a conservative way.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

  • Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
    Kaiserstrasse 14
    60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
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Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

Physiotherapeutic technique (passive)

Oscillation on the kneecap:

If there is already painful osteoarthritis, compression treatment begins with light oscillation techniques. The therapist gives short, pain-free pressure and relief stimuli on the kneecap. If pain relief has already occurred after a few treatments, the pressure on the kneecap can be increased during oscillation and the Compression treatment With Mobilization be combined. Frequency: 3-5 series / treatment

Repetitions: 10-15 / series

There should be an active break on the exercise bike between the series.

Combination of compression and mobilization:

The kneecap is moved up / down or sideways with tolerable compression. The pressure is increased until the familiar pain occurs. The kneecap slides back without pressure.

The selection of techniques and the duration of the technique per treatment depend on the individual pain behavior.

Contraindications Compression treatment includes high-grade osteoarthritis and injuries to individual cartilage areas that could tear themselves away under the compression (joint mouse).

Effect:

  • Pain-free joint function after approx. 4-6 weeks
  • Decrease in stress pain
  • Increase in resilience

At decreasing painfulness should deal with the muscular imbalances and with that Leg axis training to be started.

Please note

In no case does the “self” diagnostic agent replace a visit to your trusted doctor! We also make no claim to the completeness of the differential diagnoses presented (alternative causes). We assume no liability for the correctness of the self-diagnosis you have made! We strictly reject any form of self-therapy without consulting your doctor!