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Can a joint regrow?

Published in Joint Regeneration 1 min read

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.