What happens if you have no cartilage in your knees?

Arthritis: Absence if articular cartilage, the thin smooth layer of highly specialized tissue that lines the ends of bones in a joint, is considered to be arthritis. Cartilage can wear away due to osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. If the condition is painful there are several options to treat it including non operative measures to total knee replacement surgery.

Arthritis.: Cartilage is needed for normal joint motion. Without the cartilage you may develop pain and a limitation of range of motion of the affected joint.

Two Cartilage Types: There are two types of knee cartilage: meniscal and articular. Menisci are "c" shaped "pads" between the femur and tibial. They are important for protection of the articular cartilage, aid in shock absorption and to some extent, stability. It would be rare to have "no" articular cartilage in the knee as even end-stage arthritic knees have some areas of cartilage remaining. Outcomes are variable.