Final answer:
There is no specific number given for the treatment of traumatic articular cartilage defects. However, the slow healing process of hyaline cartilage compared to bone fractures is due to the lack of blood supply to cartilage, which necessitates relying on nutrient diffusion from surrounding tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number that is important to remember regarding the treatment of traumatic articular cartilage defects is not specified in the provided text. However, it is essential to understand why injuries to cartilage, especially hyaline cartilage, heal much more slowly than bone fractures.
Cartilage lacks its own blood supply, which considerably slows down the healing process. The blood vessels in bone bring necessary nutrients and cells that help in the repair and regrowth of the bone, which is why a bone fracture heals more rapidly. In contrast, because cartilage is avascular, it must rely on the diffusion of nutrients from surrounding tissues, which is a much slower process.
In the case of traumatic articular cartilage defects, timely and appropriate treatment is significant to prevent long-term joint issues and osteoarthritis. While a singularly important number is not identified here, understanding of the healing challenges associated with articular cartilage and treatment strategies like surgery for severe cases is crucial.