Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the classic and latest treatment techniques for localized knee cartilage lesions in clinical practice and create a new comprehensive clinical decision-making process. METHODS: The advantages and limitations of various treatment methods for localized knee cartilage lesions were summarized by extensive review of relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years. RESULTS: Currently, there are various surgical methods for treating localized knee cartilage injuries in clinical practice, each with its own pros and cons. For patients with cartilage injuries less than 2 cm (2) and 2-4 cm (2) with bone loss are recommended to undergo osteochondral autograft (OAT) and osteochondral allograft (OCA) surgeries. For patients with cartilage injuries less than 2 cm (2) and 2-4 cm (2) without bone loss had treatment options including bone marrow-based techniques (micro-fracture and ogous matrix induced chondrogenesis), autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)/matrix-induced ACI, particulated juvenile allograft cartilage (PJAC), OAT, and OCA. For patients with cartilage injuries larger than 4 cm (2) with bone loss were recommended to undergo OCA. For patients with cartilage injuries larger than 4 cm (2) without bone loss, treatment options included ACI/matrix-induced ACI, OAT, and PJAC. CONCLUSION: There are many treatment techniques available for localized knee cartilage lesions. Treatment strategy selection should be based on the size and location of the lesion, the extent of involvement of the subchondral bone, and the level of evidence supporting each technique in the literature.