Techniques for Cartilage Repair

Chondral and osteochonrdal defects have limited healing capacity and have been associated with worse outcomes in patients undergoing hip preservation surgery. As a result, cartilage repair in the hip is becoming increasingly important. Related to improving surgical techniques and higher frequency of minimally-invasive interventions, the intraoperative technique is of utmost importance as it has the potential to postpone/prevent premature osteoarthritis (OA). The cartilage repair techniques described here are for the treatment of focal, full-thickness cartilage lesions, not generalized OA. The treatment goals for patients with focal cartilage defects are the resolution of pain, restoration of function, return to activity, and prevention of premature OA.