A "cartilage flap" refers to a piece of flexible tissue that covers and protects joints. It can be compared to a small door that opens and closes to shield sensitive areas of the body, like the knee or elbow joint. Full definition
The visible portion, called the pinna, is a triangular cartilage flap covered on both sides by skin and fur. (thesprucepets.com)
Injury to the surface cartilage may lead to the separation of the cartilage from the bone or cause a decrease in blood supply that leads to cartilage flap formation. (web-dvm.net)
Arthroscopy to treat cartilage flaps, debriding osteophytes, remove bone fragments and other intra-articular injuries in the shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints. (alpenglowvets.com)