When the cartilage is damaged or deteriorates, the knee cannot go through regular range of motion, and without a knee replacement, this will worsen over time. However, there are new procedures available for cartilage regeneration, which can be used in replace of traditional surgery.Articular Cartilage. Cartilage is a 3-5 mm thick tissue that covers bone ends and surfaces inside of joints.This structure gives low friction articulation, but is easily damaged in accidents, such as kneecap dislocations or ACL tears. The matrix of the cartilage is made of proteoglycans, collagens, and proteins.rticular Cartilage. Cartilage is a 3-5 mm thick tissue that covers bone ends and surfaces inside of joints. This structure gives low friction articulation, but is easily damaged in accidents, such as kneecap dislocations or ACL tears. The matrix of the cartilage is made of proteoglycans, collagens, and proteins.