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.
Keywords
Cartilage defects - cartilage repair - animal models - treatment methods