How is an Articular Cartilage Defect (Injury) Diagnosed?
The physician examines the knee, looking for decreased range of motion, pain along the joint line, swelling, fluid on the knee, abnormal ailment of the bones making-up the joint, and ligament or meniscal injury. Injuries to the articular cartilage are difficult to diagnose, and evaluation with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or arthroscopy may be necessary. Plane x-rays are not usually good in diagnosing articular cartilage problems, but are usually taken to rule out other abnormalities.
