Which statement describes the response to cartilage injuries?

Which statement describes the response to cartilage injuries?

• A. Clot formation occurs and WBCs are recruited
• B. No clot formation and WBCs are recruited
• C. No clot formation and WBCs are not recruited
• D. Cartilage injury heals normally

Answer: (C)

Cartilage injuries have a limited healing response because articular cartilage is avascular and lacks a direct blood supply. Without blood flow, there isn’t a formation of a hematoma or clot, and inflammatory white blood cells aren’t recruited to the area in the usual way. This absence of vascular-driven inflammation means the tissue has very little intrinsic healing capacity, which is why cartilage injuries often heal slowly or not at all unless there is involvement of the underlying bone or surgical intervention.

Cartilage injuries have a limited healing response because articular cartilage is avascular and lacks a direct blood supply. Without blood flow, there isn’t a formation of a hematoma or clot, and inflammatory white blood cells aren’t recruited to the area in the usual way. This absence of vascular-driven inflammation means the tissue has very little intrinsic healing capacity, which is why cartilage injuries often heal slowly or not at all unless there is involvement of the underlying bone or surgical intervention.