How does new cartilage compare to native cartilage after reconstruction?

How does new cartilage compare to native cartilage after reconstruction?

• A. It retains the same properties as native cartilage
• B. It is replaced by fibrocartilage with decreased resilience
• C. It is stronger and more durable than native cartilage
• D. It has similar stiffness to native cartilage

Answer: (B)

The reconstruction of cartilage often leads to the formation of fibrocartilage instead of hyaline cartilage, which is the type of cartilage typically found in joints. Fibrocartilage has different properties compared to native hyaline cartilage; specifically, it has a lower resilience and elasticity. This means that while fibrocartilage can fulfill some mechanical roles, it does not withstand stress and strain as well as native cartilage, particularly in high-load environments like the knee joint. Hyaline cartilage has a smooth surface that provides a low-friction interface for joint movement and is capable of absorbing shock. In contrast, the fibrocartilage that may develop after reconstruction lacks some of those characteristics, making it less effective in promoting joint function over the long term. The decreased resilience of fibrocartilage leads to a higher risk of degeneration and the potential for osteoarthritis in the affected joints. Therefore, while new cartilage formation is essential for healing after injury, the type and properties of the newly formed cartilage, typically being fibrocartilage, significantly differ from those of the native cartilage originally present in the joint.

The reconstruction of cartilage often leads to the formation of fibrocartilage instead of hyaline cartilage, which is the type of cartilage typically found in joints. Fibrocartilage has different properties compared to native hyaline cartilage; specifically, it has a lower resilience and elasticity. This means that while fibrocartilage can fulfill some mechanical roles, it does not withstand stress and strain as well as native cartilage, particularly in high-load environments like the knee joint.

Hyaline cartilage has a smooth surface that provides a low-friction interface for joint movement and is capable of absorbing shock. In contrast, the fibrocartilage that may develop after reconstruction lacks some of those characteristics, making it less effective in promoting joint function over the long term. The decreased resilience of fibrocartilage leads to a higher risk of degeneration and the potential for osteoarthritis in the affected joints.

Therefore, while new cartilage formation is essential for healing after injury, the type and properties of the newly formed cartilage, typically being fibrocartilage, significantly differ from those of the native cartilage originally present in the joint.