The ability of a joint to regrow, specifically articular cartilage, is limited, especially in adults.
Here's a breakdown:
- Limited Natural Regeneration: Adults generally lack the inherent ability to regenerate articular cartilage from scratch. This regenerative capability is primarily observed in fetuses during development.
- Surgical Intervention Required: Cartilage regeneration typically needs surgical procedures to stimulate growth.
- Synthetic Adjuncts: Successful articular cartilage regeneration often requires synthetic materials to aid the process.
- Reference: According to the reference provided, "Adults don't have the natural capability to grow new articular cartilage from scratch."
Feature | Adult Articular Cartilage Regeneration | Fetus Articular Cartilage Regeneration |
---|---|---|
Natural Ability | Limited/Absent | Present |
Intervention Needed | Surgical + Synthetic Adjuncts | Not Typically Required |
In summary, while some cartilage regeneration is possible with medical intervention, a joint cannot simply regrow on its own in adults.