What is a key characteristic of cartilage healing?

The choice of limited healing capacity as a key characteristic of cartilage healing is based on the unique properties of cartilage tissue. Cartilage is an avascular tissue, meaning it has a poor blood supply, which significantly hampers its ability to heal after an injury. The lack of blood vessels in cartilage limits the delivery of necessary nutrients and cells that facilitate the healing process.

Additionally, cartilage has a lower metabolic rate compared to other tissues, which further contributes to its limited ability to regenerate. Healing often results in fibrocartilage formation rather than the original hyaline cartilage, which can impact the function and mechanical properties of the joint. Therefore, a complete or rapid healing process is not characteristic of cartilage repairs, highlighting the importance of understanding its limited healing capacity when evaluating treatment options for cartilage injuries.