Only a fetus growing inside the womb has the natural ability to grow new articular cartilage from scratch.
Cartilage Regeneration in Adults
Adults lack this innate ability, and cartilage regeneration usually requires surgical intervention.
Key Points on Cartilage Regeneration in Adults:
- Surgical Intervention: The primary method to stimulate cartilage regrowth in adults involves surgical procedures.
- Synthetic Adjuncts: These are often needed to help the regeneration process succeed.
- Natural Growth Limitation: Adult bodies cannot naturally grow new articular cartilage like a fetus can.
Why This Difference?
The ability of a fetus to regrow cartilage naturally is a developmental feature. This capacity is lost as an individual matures and the growth process changes.
| Feature | Fetus | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Growth | Yes | No |
| Regeneration | Natural ability | Requires surgery |
| Adjuncts Needed | Not typically | Often required |
