Cartilage is a special kind of tissue found in our bodies, especially in our joints. It acts like a cushion between bones, helping them move smoothly without rubbing against each other. When cartilage gets damaged, it can cause pain, swelling, and make it hard to move the joint. Many people wonder if cartilage can heal itself naturally, especially after an injury or as a result of conditions like osteoarthritis.
The answer is not simple. Cartilage does have some ability to repair itself, but this ability is very limited compared to other tissues in the body. Unlike skin or muscle, cartilage does not have blood vessels, nerves, or a lymphatic system. This means it does not get a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen, which are needed for healing. Because of this, when cartilage is damaged, the body struggles to send the right signals and cells to fix the problem. Most of the time, the body cannot fully repair cartilage on its own, especially if the damage is deep or widespread [2].
In mild cases, where only the surface of the cartilage is affected, the body might be able to make some repairs. This is because the surrounding healthy cartilage can sometimes help fill in small gaps. However, if the damage goes deeper into the cartilage or reaches the bone underneath, the body usually cannot fix it completely. In these cases, the damaged area may fill with scar tissue, which is not as strong or flexible as normal cartilage. This can lead to ongoing pain and stiffness in the joint [2].
Scientists have been studying ways to help cartilage heal better. One approach is to use special materials called biomaterial scaffolds. These are like artificial structures that can be placed in the damaged area to support the growth of new cartilage. One example is ChondroFiller, which is an injectable gel made from collagen, a protein found naturally in the body. When injected into a joint, this gel forms a stable scaffold that helps protect and support the cells involved in healing. Studies have shown that this kind of scaffold can help improve the repair of cartilage, especially when combined with other treatments like stem cell therapy [1,5].
Stem cells are another area of research that shows promise for cartilage repair. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of cell that can turn into different kinds of tissue, including cartilage. When these cells are injected into a damaged joint, they can help reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and support the growth of new cartilage. Clinical trials have found that many patients experience less pain and better joint function after receiving stem cell therapy, especially if the damage is mild to moderate. However, the results can vary depending on the severity of the damage, the age of the patient, and other factors [3].
Another approach is to use decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), which is a material made from the natural structure of cartilage or other tissues, but with all the cells removed. This leaves behind a biocompatible and bioactive environment that can support the growth of new cartilage. Research has shown that dECM can be effective in promoting cartilage regeneration, and when combined with advanced techniques like 3D bioprinting, it may be possible to create even better results in the future [2].
Despite these advances, there are still challenges. For example, some experimental drugs and growth factors have been tested to see if they can promote cartilage regeneration, but so far the results have not been as promising as hoped. One study looked at a growth factor called human fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) and found that it could improve cartilage thickness, but it did not reduce pain. This shows that improving the structure of cartilage is not always enough to make patients feel better [6].
Cell-based therapies, such as using bone marrow aspirate or mesenchymal stem cells, have also been studied in clinical trials. Some trials have shown short-term improvements in symptoms, but over time, there has not been a clear difference between these treatments and more traditional options like corticosteroid injections. This means that while these therapies may help some people, they are not a cure-all for cartilage damage [6].
In summary, cartilage does have a limited ability to heal itself, but this ability is not strong enough to fix serious damage. Medical treatments like biomaterial scaffolds, stem cell therapy, and dECM are being developed to help improve cartilage repair, and they show promise in certain situations. However, there is still much to learn, and not all treatments work for everyone. The best approach depends on the individual case, and it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to find the most suitable option.
[1] https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/joint-preservation-in-patients-with-grade-iv-osteoarthritis-of-the-knee-use-of-an-acellular-collagen-scaffold-chondrofiller-liquid-and-blood-derived-stem-cell-rich-graft-a-prospective-controlled-trial
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41253423/
[3] https://www.stemcellmexico.org/stem-cell-therapy-for-cartilage-damage-tijuana/
[5] https://londoncartilage.com/understanding-chondrofiller-in-the-landscape-of-cartilage-regeneration-gels-a-comparative-review-of-clinical-evidence-mechanisms-and-patient-suitability/
[6] https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/research-gets-closer-to-development-of-a-drug-to-treat-osteoarthritis/
