Perhaps due to its complex structure and composition, articular cartilage has been known to be one of the most common sources of pain and suffering in the body. Moreover, few biomaterials exist to treat the numerous problems associate cartilage decomposition and injury. This chapter will first present cartilage structure and properties useful in understanding cartilage problems and why it has been so difficult to repair cartilage damage. Then, this chapter will cover current technologies for articular cartilage repairs, emphasizing natural and synthetic materials. Lastly, this chapter will stress one promising approach for creating the next generation of cartilage scaffolds that involves nanotechnology. In this manner, this chapter will present a comprehensive view of cartilage structure, disease, and associate treatment methods.

Many attempts to design better cartilage replacements are being attempted, from natural to synthetic materials. In the synthetic materials world, it seems that the best advances are being realized when attempting to mimic the unique nano- and micro-structure of cartilage tissue, which includes mimicking the arrangement of collagen in each zone of cartilage tissue. It is through these attempts of manipulating chondrocyte function to regrow cartilage tissue that new materials may be found to heal this traditionally difficult anatomical area.