Orthobiologics for Focal Articular Cartilage Defects

Clin Sports Med. 2019 Jan;38(1):109-122. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2018.09.001.

Abstract

Focal chondral defects of the knee are extremely common and often result in pain, dysfunction, joint deterioration, and, ultimately, the development of osteoarthritis. Due to the limitations of conventional treatments for focal chondral defects of the knee, orthobiologics have recently become an area of interest. Orthobiologics used for cartilage defects include (but are not limited to) bone marrow aspirate concentrate, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and micronized allogeneic cartilage. Each of these products can be applied in the clinical setting, as an isolated surgical procedure, or as an augment to cartilage restoration surgery.

Keywords: Cartilage defect; Cartilage restoration; Cartilage transplant; Orthobiologics; PRP; Stem cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology
  • Allografts
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Marrow
  • Cartilage / transplantation
  • Cartilage Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma

Substances

  • Biological Products