Article

Cartilage protects joints during movement

Cartilage acts as a soft and flexible cushion between the ends of bones, helping to minimize friction and impact when joints move. As a result, cartilage helps protect joints from damage and allows them to move smoothly and flexibly.

Cartilage is not directly nourished by blood because it does not contain blood vessels or nerves. It only receives nutrients by osmosis from the underlying bone, synovial membrane, and joint fluid. Therefore, cartilage is easily susceptible to silent degeneration over time without any symptoms.

Your decision to donate cartilage after death can change someone’s life completely.

Why do some people need cartilage grafts?

Some people need cartilage grafts because their joint cartilage has been damaged or lost due to a number of factors, including:

• Age: Over time, joint cartilage can degenerate and lose its elasticity. This is the main cause of osteoarthritis, which is common in older adults.
• Injury: Trauma from accidents or sports activities can damage cartilage, even leading to complete loss of cartilage.
• Diseases: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout can damage joint cartilage.
• Genetics: Some people may be at higher risk of cartilage damage due to genetics.

Why donate cartilage?

Many people around the world are living with joint cartilage damage due to injury, disease, or aging. The shortage of donated cartilage makes it difficult to treat with cartilage grafts, affecting their quality of life. Donating cartilage is an opportunity to contribute to hope and improve the lives of those who need cartilage grafts.

Most people can donate cartilage

Anyone can register their decision to become a cartilage donor after death, with no age limit. In addition, there are very few health conditions that completely preclude tissue donation.

If you would like to donate cartilage or other body parts, please register here:

[Organ and Tissue Donation Registration]

Additional information:

• The donation process is typically done at the time of organ donation, after death.
• Cartilage is usually taken from the knee, but it can also be taken from other joints.
• The donated cartilage is processed and stored in a tissue bank until it is needed for a transplant.
• Cartilage transplants can help relieve pain, improve joint function, and delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery.

By donating cartilage, you can make a real difference in someone’s life. Please consider registering to become a donor today.