Causes of Cartilage Damage

There are two types of cartilage damage in the hip: focal, which is common in FAI and hip dysplasia, and generalized, which corresponds more with hip OA.

Focal cartilage damage typically occurs in the setting of an injury (hip dislocation) or over time with long-standing hip impingement (FAI) or hip instability (dysplasia). The area of damage (lesion) is typically a well-circumscribed defect with healthy neighboring cartilage. The severity of the defect ranges from mild softening (Grade I) to exposed underlying bone that is missing its overlying cartilage (Grade IV). Lesions that are Grades I – III are typically treated with shaving and debridement, while Grade IV lesions are addressed with various cartilage restoration and regeneration techniques.

Generalized cartilage damage affects the majority of the surface cartilage and can come about over time with untreated focal lesions or with osteoarthritis. The goal is to address cartilage damage before it becomes generalized and treatment options are limited. Unfortunately, minimally invasive hip arthroscopy is not a good option for patients with significant (Grades III & IV) generalized cartilage damage, as it is impossible at this point in time to regenerate a large area of cartilage loss. Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injections may be of benefit for patients who want to maintain an active lifestyle and are not ready for the risks and limitations of a hip replacement. Otherwise, the only viable long-term treatment option is joint replacement surgery.

Diagnosing Cartilage Damage

Surface cartilage is best visualized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizing specialized sequences (or ways of running the scan) to isolate and enhance the cartilage sequences. A more comprehensive analysis of surface cartilage composition can be obtained with a delayed gadolinium enhanced-MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) scan, using contrast material injected through an IV, however this technique’s values don’t always correlate with surgical outcomes thus not commonly used.

Cartilage Restoration/Regeneration

When surface cartilage damage is restricted to a focal, well-circumscribed area with healthy neighboring cartilage there are several methods by which new cartilage growth can be achieved to “fill-in” the defect:

• Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) – A great non-surgical treatment option to stimulate healing for acute, small, focal cartilage defects in younger adults is through an injection of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP). This is a relatively low cost option that utilizes your own body’s natural growth factors, concentrated through centrifugation and delivered directly at the site of injury. Please refer to the PRP section for more detail.
• Microfracture – The first line surgical treatment for lesions that are < 2.5 cm2 is to stimulate bleeding from the underlying exposed bone by a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure called a microfracture. The defect is first neatly debrided of loose or frayed cartilage and the calcified cartilage layer is scraped off of the underlying bone to expose the subchondral plate. Then a high-speed drill is utilized to drill several small holes to puncture the bone and allow for marrow elements to bleed into the defect, carrying stem cells and other beneficial growth factors. Over a period of 6 – 12 weeks, new cells proliferate and begin making new cartilage (called fibrocartilage) to fill in the defect and reconstitute a smooth surface. Results vary depending on patient age, smoking status, and chronicity of the lesion, however excellent results are typical for this treatment option in appropriately selected patients. Orthobiologics/PRP injections would assist in generating optimal results in this case and are usually done in the weeks following the scope.

• Advanced cartilage solutions:

Microfracture procedures work better in the hip socket compared to the knee, because the hip is a much congruent ball and socket joint which tends to distribute the stresses better and contain the lesion optimally. This enables the new forming cartilage to develop in a “protected” environment as long as the patient maintains non weight bearing status for 6 weeks, avoiding shearing stress to this new forming tissue.

However, if microfracture failed to “take”, meaning the cartilage did not grow well into the defect, we may use advanced cartilage procedures where we use autologous or allogeneic cartilage tissue which is implanted into the defect. There are currently different options available to us, and we will tailor these per lesion size, location and patient’s inherent characteristics. These procedures are still done Arthroscopically.

• Grafting of subchondral cysts under cartilage defects:

Dr. Mei-Dan developed several cutting edge techniques and devices to be able to graft cystic cavities in the hip socket and femoral head. These cysts develop usually in association with hip dysplasia and more rarely with Hip FAI. Previously surgeons did not deal with these cavities due to lack of proper tools and techniques. Our published mid term results of grafted cysts followed by anatomical correction of the pathology (i.e PAO for instability, or cam resection form FAI) shows minimal difference compared to surgeries where we did not encounter cysts. This is very promising as traditionally surgeons consider these cysts as contra-indication for hip preservation procedures, even in young patients.

Preventing Cartilage Damage

The integrity or health of the surface cartilage is by far the most important consideration when choosing between different treatment options for any hip disorder. Patients can take several steps to ensure that their hips remain healthy for years to come:

• Cyclic Exercise – Studies have shown that low-impact cyclic exercises (riding a bicycle, swimming, or using an elliptical machine) promote surface cartilage health and reduce the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Maintaining a regular exercise program of 30 minutes of low to moderate intensity cyclic activities 4 – 5 days/week can keep your cartilage and your heart in good shape.
• Weight – Obesity is a well-known risk factor for many diseases, but it is especially detrimental to cartilage health and can cause progressive osteoarthritis. Make an effort to maintain the recommended body weight for your build and reduce the stress placed on your hips to keep your joints healthy. Obesity also serves as a cutt-off point for our open complex surgeries like PAO as it was proven to be associated with more surgical complications and inferior outcomes.
• Diet – A balanced, nutritious diet is essential for your body to maintain robust and healthy cartilage. Calcium, Vitamin D, and essential amino acids promote self-healing qualities that native cartilage employs to maintain a functional matrix that can withstand normal physiologic loads. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have also been shown to be beneficial for patients with mild osteoarthritis. Injections of HA (hyaluronic acid) or PRP, can help in regenerating some cartilage damage and promote faster healing after surgery.