Which descriptor indicates rough articular cartilage on the quality of motion descriptors?

• A. Popping, clicking, catching: damaged fibrocartilage
• B. Crepitus: rough articular cartilage
• C. Grinding: damaged articular cartilage
• D. Boggy: effusion

Answer: (B)

Crepitus is the label for a crackling or grinding sensation or sound felt or heard in a joint as it moves. This happens when articular surfaces are roughened by cartilage wear, so the moving surfaces catch and release irregularities, sometimes with gas bubble movement, producing that distinctive crackling feeling or noise. That’s why crepitus points to rough articular cartilage. By contrast, popping/clicking/catching often signals a mechanical issue like a meniscal problem or tendon subluxation, grinding suggests more severe roughness or bone-on-bone contact, and a boggy feel indicates joint effusion rather than cartilage texture.