Stiff, Achy Knees? New Lab-Made Cartilage Gel Outperforms Real Thing

Over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, steroid injections--some people have tried it all and are still dealing with knee pain. Often knee pain comes from the progressive wear and tear of cartilage known as osteoarthritis, which affects nearly one in six adults--867 million people--worldwide. For those who want to avoid replacing the entire knee joint, there may soon be another option that could help patients get back on their feet fast, pain-free, and stay that way. Writing in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, a Duke University-led team says its members have created the first gel-based cartilage substitute that is even stronger and more durable than the real thing. The article, published on August 4, 2022, is titled” A Synthetic Hydrogel Composite with a Strength and Wear Resistance Greater Than Cartilage.”