There are many methods of operative repair of articular cartilage. The choice of method depends mainly on the characteristics of the cartilage damage - whether it is traumatic or degenerative, as well as the size and depth of the defect. The age and level of activity of the patient are also important. The most frequently used methods include: the microfracture method, autologous chondrocyte transplantation, and cartilage-bone block grafts. The decision on the choice of technique is made by an orthopedic surgeon specializing in cartilage repair procedures.

Articular cartilage repair procedures belong to the young field of clinical orthopedics. So far, there has been little research to assess the long-term effects of cartilage repair treatments. It is now known that the lifetime of the repaired cartilage in the defect site depends on the surgical method used and the patient's age.

Damaged cartilage has a low potential for self-repair. Failure to take actions to stimulate this process most often leads to the deepening of the lesion and exacerbation of pain. The indications for surgical treatment are primarily cartilage defects reaching the bones or cartilage and bone defects in young active people. Cartilage repair is to prevent secondary osteoarthritis in this case. In the elderly and in inactive people with extensive cartilage damage caused by degenerative changes, conservative analgesic treatment or finally joint arthroplasty is proposed.

Rehabilitation is about increasing the range of motion that is safe for the healing cartilage and learning to walk at the right time. In most cases, gradual loading is possible in the 6th week after the procedure, previously the patient moves on crutches, touching the floor with his fingers. The goal of physiotherapy is also to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the knee joint in functional body positions. The required time of rehabilitation is very individual - its progress depends on the location of the repaired cartilage, the type of surgical method used and the individual circumstances of the patient. In most cases, it is possible to return to light activities (cycling, jogging) within 3-4 months after the procedure.