Cartilage Repair Techniques

Cartilage repair techniques aim to restore damaged cartilage in joints, reducing pain and improving function. Methods include microfracture surgery, which creates tiny holes in the bone to stimulate new cartilage growth; autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), where healthy cartilage cells are taken from the patient, grown in a lab, and then implanted into the defect; and osteochondral autograft or allograft transplantation, which involves transplanting healthy cartilage tissue from the patient or a donor. The choice of technique depends on the size and location of the damage, as well as patient-specific factors.