Page 9 - 12. Osteoarthritis

9

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY - FUNCTION

OF CARTILAGE

• shock-absorbing quality of normal cartilage comes from its

ability to change shape when compressed.

✓high water content

✓cartilage may undergo some repair when damaged, the

body does not grow new cartilage after it is injured.

• changes in osteoarthritis usually occur slowly over many

years