[Research progress of subchondral bone cyst after cartilage repair]

Subchondral bone cysts after cartilage repair are abnormal cavities that develop near the site of repaired cartilage defects and may communicate with the joint cavity.Research indicates that they may be associated with factors such as elevated external hydraulic pressure, bone bruising due to abnormal stress, internal inflammation, and inadequate blood supply.These cysts are closely linked to bone marrow edema.It has been observed that cysts following cartilage repair frequently occur after various procedures, including bone marrow stimulation, autologous or allogeneic osteochondral transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte transplantation.They represent a significant pathological change post-cartilage repair, influencing the process, quality, and outcome of the repair.Consequently, they have become an important parameter for evaluating the effectiveness of cartilage repair.This article provides a review of studies on the occurrence, development mechanisms, and pathological structures of subchondral bone cysts after cartilage repair using different techniques.It explores the clinical implications and potential of utilizing these cysts to assess the success of cartilage repair, enhancing understanding in this field.Such insights are expected to lay a foundation for the prevention and treatment of subchondral bone cysts following various cartilage repair procedures.