Treatment Options for Articular Cartilage Defects of the Knee

The treatment of symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the knee has evolved tremendously in the past decade. Previously, there were limited treatment options available to patients who suffered from either partial-thickness or full-thickness cartilage lesions. Because articular cartilage has a limited capacity for healing, patients were often treated symptomatically until they became candidates for osteotomy or total joint replacement. Recently, both reparative and restorative procedures have been developed to address this significant source of morbidity in young active patients. Microfracture is a reparative technique that induces a healing response to occur in an area of articular cartilage damage. Osteochondral autografts and allografts in addition to autologous chondrocyte implantation are restorative techniques aimed at recreating a more normal articular surface. Both types of procedures have been developed to alleviate the symptoms associated with focal chondral defects, as well as limit their potential to progress to a diffuse degenerative arthritis. Treatment can vary depending on both cartilage defect and patient factors. This article summarizes the various treatment options that have recently become available.