[Microtrauma and cartilage injury].

In addition to macrotraumas resulting from single and heavy impact, recurrent microtraumas are probably frequently the cause of cartilage damage. The risk of a microtraumatic cartilage damage exists especially in activities involving a high load frequency. Epidemiological studies and dynamometric measurements in race events support this assumption. Based on experimental investigations it is shown how the different components of the articular system-cartilage, synovial membrane and subchondral bone react to microtraumatic stress. In the elimination of microtraumatically induced joint damage special emphasis should be placed on prophylaxis.