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Cartilage Defects

Modern tiny shavers and "radiofrequency" devices can be used to smooth rough and damaged areas. Lasers are not commonly used any longer due to risks.

Damage to areas of the articular cartilage may occur in young or older patients. There may be damage to the cartilage itself or to the cartilage and underlying bone. In some cases, using small shavers or specialized radio-frequency probes, it is possible to smooth these damaged areas (see image at right). However, if the damage goes down to the bone, or if the bone itself is damaged, more extensive procedures may be required, including Microfracture, OAT's procedure, or cell culture.

In small defects, it is possible to use a small instrument which punctures the bone in the area of the defect. This allows fresh blood from the femur to enter the defect. The fresh blood contains cells called "precursors" or "multipotential" cells capable of producing new cartilage. This is a moderately effective technique.