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Ankle Joint Articular Cartilage Definition
By Gregory R. Waryasz, MD
The ankle joint articular cartilage of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by covering the articular surfaces of the joint.
It is part of the ankle joint. It consists of articular cartilage.
Its unique structural feature is that it is located on the articulating surfaces of the tibia, fibula, and talus. It is primarily made up of type II collagen. The components are hydroxyproline, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans arranged in layers to provide strength.
The ankle joint articular cartilage as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in the embryo.
The function of the cartilage is to provide a smooth gliding surface for joint motion by decreasing the coefficient of friction. A small layer of fluid also lubricates the articulating surfaces.
Common diseases include arthritis/degenerative joint disease (DJD), osteochondritis dissecans, osteochondral defects, and cartilage tears.
Osteochondral defects often occur after ankle sprains and are defects in the articulating surfaces.
Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition where a piece of cartilage and a piece of the bone beneath it become loose due to avascular necrosis of the subchondral bone.
Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, and MRI.
It is usually treated with physical therapy and NSAIDs. Arthitis can also be treated with knee replacements and arthroscopy. Osteochondritis dissecans can be treated non-operatively or the fragments can be removed with surgery. Articular cartilage tears and osteochondral defects of the ankle can be treated with physical therapy, microfracture surgery, allograft, or autologous cartilage transplant.
References
Elstrom J, Virkus W, Pankovich (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 2006.
Koval K, Zuckerman J (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.
Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.