Chondral Defect

A chondral defect refers to a damage or injury to the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones within a joint. These defects can occur due to:

• Trauma: Direct impact or injury to the joint, such as from sports injuries or accidents.
• Overuse: Repetitive stress on the joint, common in athletes or individuals engaged in activities that involve frequent joint movement.
• Joint Conditions: Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis can lead to the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in chondral defects.
• Anatomical Factors: Joint abnormalities or alignment issues that increase stress on specific areas of cartilage.

Chondral defects can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced joint function. Treatment options depend on the size, location, and severity of the defect, ranging from conservative measures to surgical interventions like cartilage repair or transplantation.

Causes for Chondral Defect

• Trauma: Direct impact or injury to the joint, such as from sports injuries, accidents, or falls.
• Overuse: Repetitive stress on the joint, common in athletes or individuals engaged in activities that involve frequent joint movement.
• Age-related Changes: Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis, which can lead to the breakdown of cartilage over time.
• Joint Instability: Conditions that affect joint stability, such as ligament injuries or joint malalignment, can increase the risk of chondral defects.
• Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have genetic predispositions that affect cartilage integrity and increase susceptibility to chondral defects.