Metal Mini Implants for Focal Cartilage Injuries

In recent years, three small hard material (metal) implant systems have emerged to treat focal cartilage lesions in the knee. Reports on the trio Hemicap/Unicap, BioPoly, and Episealer have now been published to an extent that allows a fact-based assessment. These implants aim at addressing the cartilage lesions of patients in the “GAP-age,” approximately 35–60 years, and have shown to result in clinical improvement as well as longevity on par with other modes of treatment of cartilage injuries. Short rehabilitation and a robustness also allowing considerable physical activity makes them appealing procedures in situations where few alternatives exist.