The Effects of Space Microgravity on Hip and Knee Cartilage: A New Frontier in Orthopaedics.

Space and associated microgravity conditions adversely impact articular cartilage as demonstrated in murine and human studies. The pathogenetic process occurs due to the mechanically responsive nature of cartilage, with an increase in cartilage metabolism in microgravity. There remains a marked paucity of literature regarding the gravitational force necessary for adequate cartilage survival and the impact of space-related radiation on cartilage repair. Additionally, further studies should assess pharmacologic interventions, such as recombinant human fibroblast growth factor to stimulate cartilaginous growth.