For the repair of symptomatic cartilage defects of the femoral condyle (medial

FemoralcondyleRepair Options for Symptomatic Cartilage Defects

Symptomatic cartilage defects of the femoral condyle can be difficult to treat, and often require a multi-modal approach. The treatment plan should be tailored to the individual patient’s symptoms, size and location of the defect, and overall health.

Some of the surgical options for repair of symptomatic cartilage defects of the femoral condyle (medial side) are as follows:

• Distal femoral resection: This procedure involves the removal of the entire medial femoral condyle up to the intercondylar notch. This can be used to treat cartilage defects not amenable to other techniques, or those of larger size.
• Marrow stimulation: Marrow stimulation techniques are designed to induce the growth of new tissue or cartilage in the area of the defect. These techniques may use abrasion, drilling, or microfracture to stimulate the growth of new tissue in the defect.
• Biopsy grafting: This technique involves the removal of healthy cartilage tissue from another area of the knee and its transplantation into the cartilage defect. This grafting is often combined with marrow stimulation.
• Osteochondral autograft transplantation: This procedure involves the harvesting of both cartilage and subchondral bone from a donor site in the knee and its transplantation to the defect. This technique is used to treat larger or multiple defects.
• Cell-based therapies: These techniques are designed to stimulate the repair of the defect using cells that produce growth factors or other hormones that are beneficial to cartilage healing. These therapies may be used in combination with grafting or marrow stimulation.

The treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects of the femoral condyle is complex. It is important to discuss all your options with your surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for you.