the cartilage and cartilage healing in dogs and cats

Cartilage is a strong, flexible connective tissue that protects joints and bones. It acts as a shock absorber throughout body. Cartilage is divided into different types based on the type of fibers in the underlying tissue as well as the percentage of their composition, each has different functional characteristics. Hyaline cartilage is the most common and abundant type of cartilage rich in type ΙΙ of collagen fibers and proteoglycan. Elastic cartilage has more flexibility and in the matrix of this cartilage, in addition to the type ΙΙ of collagen fibers, a large amount of elastic fibers is also present. In fact, the presence of these elastic fibers is a factor in the ability of this type of cartilage to change shape and return to its original state. The fibrocartilage is the strongest type of cartilage. The characteristic feature of this type of cartilage is high weight bearing. Fibrocartilage contains collagen fibers scattered between layers of the matrix. The restorative strength of cartilage tissue is very limited and the repair of this tissue after injury is always accompanied by challenges and problems. Articular cartilage damage is considered as one of the most important challenges of orthopedic surgeons. Today, different methods are used to treat the articular cartilage defect, however, in none of the methods complete restoration and restoration of tissue integrity of articular cartilage is achieved. Surgical procedures are divided into two categories, reparative and restorative surgery. The purpose of this article is to review the structure of cartilage and the methods of articular cartilage healing.