Knee Cartilage Repair and Restoration: Common Problems and Solutions

Focal cartilage defects in the knee are commonly found on MRI and arthroscopically. When these lesions are symptomatic and fail nonoperative management several surgical strategies are available. Common surgical techniques include reparative (ie, microfracture) and restorative procedures (ie, autologous chondrocyte implantation, particulated juvenile allograft cartilage, osteochondral autograft transfer, and osteochondral allograft). Each of these surgical procedures have shared and novel complications associated with their use. This article provides a detailed, case-based discussion of common complications encountered in surgical procedures for focal cartilage defects of the knee, highlighting causes, clinical recognition, and how to address and avoid these complications.