Patient Education

The Steadman Clinic, Keeping People Active




How is articular cartilage damage diagnosed?

It can be difficult to diagnose an articular cartilage injury. Physical examination may show a swollen knee, but frequently the exam is normal.

Imaging may help the doctor make a diagnosis in some, but not all, cases. X-rays may be normal in most cases because only bone damage is visible on X-ray. One indication of advanced cartilage loss is a decrease in space between two bone surfaces. A loose bone fragment may be detected in a condition called osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), in which a portion of bone detaches with the articular cartilage.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) may reveal softened cartilage in many cases. This softening can be difficult to detect, however, and the diagnosis may require the most sensitive and highest quality MRI images, which may show changes in the underlying bone. Cartilage thinning or loss is also usually visible on MRI.

Articular cartilage damage is most reliably diagnosed with an arthroscopic examination of the joint. In this procedure, a tiny fiberoptic scope is inserted into the joint. The doctor uses this scope to visually assess the damage.

© 2005 by LeadingMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
  

Clinic News

Dr. Marc Philippon Chairs Recent Hip Arthroscopy Symposium in Vail

May 16, 2012
Read More

Dr. Peter Millett Performs Biceps Tendon Surgery on World's Strongest Man Brian Shaw

May 16, 2012
Read More

Dr. Thomas Clanton from The Steadman Clinic Discusses STAR an Ankle Joint-Replacement Option

April 24, 2012
Read More

Dr. Robert LaPrade of The Steadman Clinic Offers an Interesting Perspective on PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy

April 16, 2012
Read More

Dr. Marc Philippon Discusses Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in 5280 The Denver Magazine

March 30, 2012
Read More

Dr. Richard Steadman Performs Knee Surgery on Minnesota Timberwolves Guard Ricky Rubio

March 22, 2012
Read More

Dr. Donald Corenman Selected as Top Spine Surgeon You Should Know by Beckers Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management Review.

March 7, 2012
Read More

Dr. Peter Millett Leads Research Study on The Best Procedures for Treating Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

February 24, 2012
Read More

The Steadman Clinic is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Physicians & Surgeons - Orthopedic Surgery in Vail CO Vail: (970) 476-1100Frisco: (970) 668-6760

Office Hours at All Locations: Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm