Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25(04): 263-272
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-05-0070
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

A review of the treatment methods for cartilage defects

R. M. Thiede
1   Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
,
Y. Lu
1   Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
,
M. D. Markel
1   Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 05 May 2011

Accepted 12 January 2012

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

The purpose of this article is to provide a broad review of the literature related to the treatment of cartilage defects and degenerated cartilage in animals with some inferences to the treatment in humans. Methods range from the insertion of osteochondral tissue or cells to the application of radio frequency or insertion of scaffolds and growth factors alone or in combination. Debridement, microfracture, radio frequency, and chondrocyte implantation are all methods normally utilized when treating smaller articular cartilage defects. Scaffolds and mosaicplasty are examples of methods to treat larger defects. This review will cover all major treatment methods currently used to treat articular cartilage defects.