Human joint surfaces are normally protected by smooth lining of cartilage, which ensures that the joint can move without friction. In patients with arthrosis the cartilage is extensively damaged and in some cases completely destroyed.

It is typically caused by putting excessive strain on the joint over a long period of time. A fall on the hip can also cause fragments of cartilage to be dislodged. Premature ageing of the cartilage as a result of a predisposition is a further possibility.

What are the symptoms of arthrosis?

Arthrotic symptoms range from a slight feeling of tension and stiffness of the joint to pain when moving and when the joint is put under strain or even severe pain at rest and increasingly restricted movement.

Important: Arthrotic pain should always be taken seriously and under no circumstances simply put up with. In many cases it can be treated and a marked improvement achieved.

How can arthrosis be treated?

Apart from professional physiotherapy and nutrition programs, a surgical intervention can in many cases prove to be helpful. The operation can be in the form of minimally invasive arthroscopy or in severe cases an artificial joint implant.

Depending on how advanced the condition is, a joint debridement can provide considerable relief. In this procedure mobile cartilage areas are smoothed, the inflamed and the contracted cartilage capsule and bony structures removed. The joint is then flushed to remove tiny abrasive particles which would otherwise increase friction within the joint, much like sand in a transmission system.

To stimulate cartilage repair, an abrasion arthroplasty is possible with smaller defects. With this procedure the cartilage is shaved down to the  bone to cause bleeding. A blood clot containing stem cells forms at the treated site. Within a few weeks cartilaginous fiber forms to fill out the defect.

A similar procedure called microfracture also introduces stem cells. In contrast to abrasion arthroplasty, this is done by drilling holes and can thus also be used with more extensive cartilage defects.