What is cartilage, and how is damaged cartilage removed? Cartilage is a firm, rubbery connective tissue that covers ends of bone and serves as a cushion between bones. Over time, it can wear down (osteoarthritis) and become damaged due to injury.
Damaged cartilage can be removed using an arthroscope — a miniaturized, fiber-optic camera inserted into a small surgical incision. The following interactive video shows how an arthroscope can enter the interior of a knee joint and allow a surgeon to see areas of damaged cartilage that require removal.