Author: drhip

Cartilage thinning describes a loss of thickness in the smooth, shock-absorbing cartilage that covers the ends of bones inside a joint. It is commonly discussed in the hip, knee, and shoulder when people report joint pain, stiffness, or reduced motion. Clinicians use the term as a clinical finding on exam and imaging, not as a specific treatment. It often appears in conversations about osteoarthritis, hip impingement, and prior joint injury.

Cartilage mapping MRI is a specialized MRI approach that evaluates joint cartilage in more detail than standard MRI. It aims to detect early biochemical and microstructural cartilage changes, sometimes before clear “wear” is visible. It is commonly used in sports medicine and orthopedics for hips, knees, and other load-bearing joints. It can support decision-making in patients with pain, suspected early osteoarthritis, or after cartilage-related surgery.

A Cartilage lesion is an area of damaged joint cartilage. It most often refers to injury or wear of the smooth “articular cartilage” that covers the ends of bones. It is commonly discussed in the hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder in orthopedics and sports medicine. It can be found on imaging or during arthroscopy when evaluating joint pain or mechanical symptoms.

Cartilage delamination is a type of joint cartilage injury where a layer of cartilage separates from the tissue beneath it. It most often refers to separation at the boundary between cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Clinicians commonly use the term in hip, knee, and ankle evaluations, especially in sports medicine and arthroscopy. It is discussed as a diagnostic finding, not as a treatment or device.

Carriage joint is a term most often used for a **mechanical joint** that lets one component slide along a track while staying aligned. It is commonly found in **orthopedic and rehabilitation equipment** rather than as a named human anatomical joint. In hip-related care, it may be part of devices that help with **positioning, traction, controlled motion, or repeatable testing**. Meaning and design details can vary by clinician and case, and by material and manufacturer.

Capsulotomy is a controlled surgical cut (incision) made in a joint capsule. The joint capsule is the tough, fibrous tissue envelope that surrounds a joint. In orthopedics, Capsulotomy is commonly used during arthroscopy to access the hip joint. It may also be used in other joints when surgeons need exposure or need to release capsular tightness.

Capsulitis means inflammation of a joint capsule. The joint capsule is the soft-tissue “envelope” that surrounds a joint. Capsulitis is commonly discussed in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy when pain and stiffness seem to come from the capsule itself. It can involve different joints, including the shoulder, hip, ankle, and forefoot.

Capsular thickening imaging describes how clinicians look for a thicker-than-expected joint capsule on medical imaging. The joint capsule is the strong sleeve of tissue that surrounds a joint and helps guide and limit motion. This imaging concept is most commonly discussed with MRI, MR arthrography, and ultrasound. It is used in hip care to help explain pain, stiffness, instability concerns, or postoperative symptoms.

Capsular thickening means the joint capsule has become thicker than expected. The joint capsule is a sleeve of connective tissue that surrounds a joint and helps stabilize it. In the hip, Capsular thickening is most often discussed as an imaging or exam-related finding in people with hip pain or stiffness. Clinicians may mention it when interpreting MRI results, planning treatment, or explaining motion limits.

Capsular tightness describes reduced flexibility or increased stiffness of a joint capsule. The joint capsule is the fibrous “envelope” that surrounds a joint and helps guide motion. In hip care, Capsular tightness is commonly discussed when hip motion feels restricted or painful. Clinicians also use the term when planning or describing treatments that intentionally tighten or loosen the capsule.