Skeletal development and osteoarthritis

Articular (joint) cartilage may be limited in its ability to repair itself. The ability of cartilage to develop into a predetermined form may regulate its growth and repair. Features common to osteoarthritic cartilage and to developing cartilage, such as cell proliferation, elevated matrix synthesis and morphogenesis, are discussed. The changes over time of tissue regulation in fetal cartilage, diseased cartilage, and aging cartilage are discussed. More information is needed on the relationship between tissue regulation and the body's ability to repair cartilage, especially in regard to aging and disease.