Patellar chondral injury treated with autologous osteochondral transplantation

Abstract

Cartilaginous injuries of the joint surface are challenging to treat due to a lesser regeneration rate and tissue regrown ability of the chondral cells. Articular cartilage is an avascular tissue composed mainly by extracellular matrix. It is a highly developed tissue that supports full contact and movement with low friction. Single lesions of the chondral tissue may develop with different etiologies and can affect all ages. When diagnosed in young and active patients, total knee joint replacement is not recommended due to a high probability of early wear of the implant, instability, and need for an early-age joint revision. For these patients, a different option of treatment is needed, and articular cartilage repair should be done with biological tissue [1].