Single-Stage Minced Autologous Cartilage Restoration Procedures

Management of symptomatic focal cartilage defects of the knee can be challenging. Although many surgical procedures have been introduced with varying clinical success, an optimal treatment algorithm has yet to be established. Limitations of common cartilage restoration procedures include the formation of fibrocartilage (as in microfractures), restriction to small lesions (osteochondral autograft transplantation), necessity of 2-stage procedures (autologous chondrocyte implantation), and the relatively high costs with limited availability associated with allografts. Single-stage cartilage restoration procedures using autologous minced cartilage were developed to surpass these limitations and provide greater benefit to patients without additional risks. This manuscript will provide an overview of available preclinical studies, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes using single-stage autologous minced cartilage restoration procedures for the treatment of symptomatic, focal chondral defects of the knee.