The distal femur is the lower end of the thigh bone that forms the upper portion of the knee joint. Its surface is covered with smooth articular cartilage, which allows the knee to move efficiently while helping absorb the forces placed on the joint during everyday activities.
When this cartilage becomes damaged, it can lead to pain, swelling, catching, or difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, or other weight-bearing movements. Because articular cartilage has a limited ability to heal, treatment is based on the size, location, and severity of the injury, as well as how much it affects daily function.
Dr. Brian Cohen, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, evaluates each case of cartilage damage with a focus on preserving joint health and restoring mobility. Depending on the condition of the knee, treatment may range from nonsurgical care to advanced cartilage procedures or joint replacement when necessary.
Distal Femur Cartilage Injury Symptoms
Articular cartilage injuries of the distal femur occur when the smooth cartilage covering the end of the thigh bone becomes damaged.
-
Pain, especially with prolonged walking, squatting, or climbing stairs
-
Intermittent swelling
-
Knee stiffness
-
Catching or locking
-
A feeling that the knee may buckle or give way
-
Grinding, clicking, or other noises during knee movement (crepitus)
Knee Cartilage Damage Grading
Cartilage injuries are commonly graded according to the depth and severity of the damage. The grade may be estimated using imaging studies and confirmed during arthroscopy.
-
Grade 0: Normal cartilage
-
Grade 1: Cartilage softening or swelling
-
Grade 2: Small surface defects or partial-thickness tears
-
Grade 3: Deep cartilage fissures extending toward the underlying bone
-
Grade 4: Full-thickness cartilage loss with exposed bone
-
Grinding, clicking, or other noises during knee movement (crepitus)
Causes of Distal Femur Cartilage Injury
Damage to the articular cartilage of the distal femur may result from:
-
A previous knee injury
-
Twisting or pivoting injuries
-
A direct blow to the knee
-
Meniscus or ligament injuries
-
Abnormal knee alignment
-
Osteoarthritis
-
Inflammatory arthritis
-
Repetitive wear over time
-
Excess body weight, which increases stress on the knee joint
Articular cartilage has a very limited ability to heal because it has little direct blood supply. Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the cartilage injury.
Distal Femur Cartilage Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size and location of the cartilage injury, the patient’s symptoms, activity level, age, and overall knee condition.
-
Activity modification
-
Weight management when appropriate
-
Physical therapy
-
Strengthening exercises
-
Anti-inflammatory medication
-
Injections when appropriate
For larger or symptomatic cartilage injuries, Dr. Cohen may recommend cartilage restoration procedures, cartilage transplantation, or other joint-preserving techniques. If cartilage loss is extensive and associated with advanced arthritis, partial or total knee replacement may be considered.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic knee surgery allows Dr. Cohen to evaluate and treat cartilage injuries through small incisions using a miniature camera and specialized instruments.
Depending on the condition of the cartilage, arthroscopy may be used to remove unstable cartilage, stimulate cartilage repair, perform cartilage restoration procedures, or address associated meniscus or ligament injuries. The specific procedure depends on the size, location, and severity of the cartilage damage.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Distal Femur Cartilage Injury Care in Chillicothe, OH
Damage to the cartilage of the distal femur can cause persistent knee pain, swelling, and loss of function if left untreated. Dr. Cohen carefully evaluates the severity of the injury and recommends the most appropriate treatment, whether that involves conservative care, cartilage restoration, or joint replacement. The goal is to relieve pain, restore knee function, and preserve the joint whenever possible. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
