Abstract
Cartilage defects in the knee are common resulting in significant pain and morbidity
over time. These defects can arise in isolation or concurrently with other associated
injuries to the knee. The treatment of small (< 2–3 cm2) cartilage deficiencies has changed as our basic science knowledge of tissue healing
has improved. Advancements have led to the development of new and more effective treatment
modalities. It is important to address any associated knee injuries and limb malalignment.
Surgical options are considered when nonoperative treatment fails. The specific procedure
depends on individual patient characteristics, lesion size, and location. Debridement/chondroplasty,
microfracture, marrow stimulation plus techniques, fixation of unstable osteochondral
fragments, osteochondral autograft transfer, and osteochondral allograft transplantation,
all have roles in the treatment of small cartilage defects.
Keywords
knee - cartilage defect - malalignment
