In this BoardsCast episode, we confront a frustrating reality in orthopedic surgery: cartilage doesn’t heal like bone — and often doesn’t heal at all.

We break down:

• The biology of cartilage and why it lacks regenerative capacity
• How chondrocyte metabolism, avascularity, and matrix structure limit healing
• The difference between hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage repair
• What makes superficial vs. full-thickness cartilage injuries behave differently
• Surgical techniques like abrasion arthroplasty, drilling, microfracture, and osteochondral autografts
• The emerging (but still inconsistent) role of stem cells, scaffolds, and growth factors

Whether you’re managing an osteochondral flap, reviewing arthroscopy images, or prepping for boards, this episode will change how you think about cartilage damage — and what you can (and can’t) fix.

🎧 Built for surgical residents. 
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