What is a Cartilage Injury?
Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that covers the surface of bones at the joints. A cartilage injury occurs when there is damage or trauma to the cartilage tissue, which can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. These injuries to the cartilage can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as sports injuries and can also be caused by wear and tear over time.
The most common types of cartilage injuries include tears or fractures in the cartilage, which can result in pieces of cartilage becoming loose in the joint. In severe cases, the injury can cause the bone underneath the cartilage to become damaged as well.
Cartilage injuries can be painful and limit movement, making it important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have a cartilage injury. This is because a cartilage specialist can help diagnose the injury and recommend appropriate treatment options to help manage the pain and improve mobility.
What Causes a Cartilage Injury?
Cartilage injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including forceful impacts, trauma or injury to the joint, wear and tear over time, and certain medical conditions. Sports injuries, falls, and car accidents are some of the most common causes of cartilage injuries. Overuse and repetitive strain on the joint can also contribute to cartilage damage, especially in athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of cartilage injury.
Who Should Visit a Cartilage Specialist in Singapore?
Individuals who experience joint pain, swelling, or limited mobility may benefit from visiting a cartilage specialist in Singapore. These specialists will be able to diagnose and treat various types of cartilage injuries, including tears, fractures, and wear and tear over time. Individuals who participate in sports or other physically demanding activities may also be at a higher risk for cartilage injuries and should consider seeking the advice of a cartilage specialist. Additionally, individuals with medical conditions that affect the joints, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, may also require the expertise of a cartilage specialist to manage their symptoms and prevent further damage.
Ignoring cartilage injuries or failing to seek appropriate treatment can lead to further damage and potentially more severe complications, including joint degeneration and chronic pain. Early diagnosis and treatment by a cartilage specialist can help individuals manage their symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent further damage to the joint.
Cartilage Injury Diagnosis
Diagnosing a cartilage injury requires a thorough evaluation of the joint and surrounding tissues by a qualified healthcare provider, such as a cartilage specialist. The specialist may begin with a physical examination to assess the joint for pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Imaging studies, such as weight-bearing X-rays and MRI scans, may also be ordered to assess the extent of the damage to the articular cartilage and identify any associated bone damage as well as surrounding tissues and ligaments.
In some cases, the cartilage specialist may also perform an arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure where a pencil-sized tube equipped with a small camera is inserted into the affected joint to visualise the damage and potentially repair the cartilage.
The type of treatment recommended for a cartilage injury depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the patient's age and overall health, and the patient's activity level. Treatment options may include rest, ice, and physical therapy to help manage pain and improve mobility. In severe cases, surgery may also be necessary to repair or remove damaged cartilage or bone. Cartilage repair treatments, such as cartilage regeneration or transplantation, may also be recommended to restore function to the joint and prevent further damage. A cartilage specialist can provide individualised treatment recommendations based on the patient's specific needs and goals for recovery.
Precautions Before Cartilage Repair Treatment
Before undergoing cartilage repair treatment, patients may need to take certain precautions to ensure the best possible outcome. These precautions may include avoiding certain medications or other substances that may increase the risk of bleeding and following specific dietary guidelines in the days leading up to surgery. The cartilage specialist will provide detailed instructions on preparing for the procedure and what to expect during the recovery process.
What Happens During Cartilage Repair Treatment
Cartilage repair treatment can take several forms, including arthroscopic surgery, microfracture surgery, and cartilage transplantation. The exact procedure used will depend on the location and severity of the cartilage damage, as well as the patient's overall health and activity level.
As mentioned, during the procedure, the cartilage specialist will use a small camera called an arthroscope to visualise the joint and guide the surgical instruments. In some cases, the surgeon may also make small incisions in the joint to access the damaged cartilage or bone.
The type of repair technique used will depend on the specific needs of the patient, but may include drilling small holes in the bone to promote the growth of new cartilage, transplanting healthy cartilage tissue from another area of the body, or using synthetic materials to replace damaged cartilage.
What Happens After Cartilage Repair Treatment
After the procedure, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected joint. The cartilage specialist will provide detailed instructions on managing pain and promoting healing, which may include rest, ice, and physical therapy.
Patients should also follow up regularly with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed. With proper care and rehabilitation, cartilage repair treatment can help restore function to the joint and improve quality of life.
Possible Side Effects of Cartilage Repair Treatment
Like any medical procedure, cartilage repair treatment can carry certain risks and potential side effects. These may include pain, swelling, infection, and limited mobility in the joint. However, with proper care and follow-up, most patients can expect to recover and resume their normal activities without significant complications. As such, it is important to seek the advice of an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore.
Why Choose OrthofootMD for Cartilage Repair Treatment in Singapore?
- Our surgeon is equipped with a deep understanding of sport-related injuries and their treatments.
- We are conveniently located at Mount Elizabeth and Mount Alvernia Hospital
- We offer assistance with medical claims, including Medisave and Integrated Shield Plans, depending on the type of treatment, to provide a hassle-free experience for patients
About Our Surgeon?
Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran is a cartilage specialist in Singapore who specialises in lower limb orthopaedic conditions, trauma, and fracture surgery of both upper and lower limbs. He completed his basic surgical training at the Royal Free Hospital in London and received higher orthopaedic surgical specialty training in the London North West Thames rotation. Dr. Gowreeson pursued subspecialty fellowship training at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. He is also committed to enhancing the delivery of orthopaedic postgraduate education worldwide and has authored over 50 scientific articles.
Consult Our Cartilage Specialist in Singapore
If you suspect you are suffering from cartilage damage or are experiencing pain in your joints, it may be time to consider consulting with a cartilage specialist in Singapore. Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran from OrthofootMD Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic can offer timely and appropriate treatment for various cartilage injuries. Our orthopaedic surgeon can assess your condition and discuss possible treatment options, including procedures such as cartilage repair or transplant surgery.
Furthermore, our surgeon can assist you with other painful conditions related to your foot or ankle through appropriate procedures, which may include bunion surgery, treatment for plantar fasciitis and other surgeries. Book an appointment with our cartilage specialist in Singapore today to learn about the various treatment options in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Cartilage Specialist in Singapore
Clinic Location
OrthofootMD@Novena
- Mount Elizabeth Novena
38 Irrawaddy Road #05-42 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
OrthofootMD@Mount Alvernia Hospital
- (Mount Alvernia Hospital)
820 Thomson Road #01-01/02 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is currently an orthopaedic surgeon with Island Orthopaedic, a one-stop care centre for orthopaedic health under Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions, as well as trauma and fracture surgery of both the upper and lower limbs. Prior to establishing his private practice, Dr Gowreeson was Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Today, he continues to serve the Orthopaedic Department at TTSH as a visiting consultant.