Data sources: A survey was conducted in several databases, including Cochrane Library, Bandolier, DARE, TRIP database, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Ebsco, with articles published between 1940 and 2010.

 

Data synthesis: Hyaline cartilage is an important structure in joints. Unfortunately, when injured is unable to regenerate due to an inherent lack of vascular supply. Currently, a wide range of options are available to treat articular cartilage lesions in the knee, ranging from conservative measures through various types of surgical options. The end result of these methods is usually a fibrous repair tissue (fibrocartilage), which lacks the biomechanical characteristics of hyaline cartilage.

 

Conclusions: Treatment decisions (conservative or surgical) should be based on appropriate evaluation, classification of the pathology and also its features and patient’s expectations. 

 

 

Keywords: articular cartilage; knee injuries; chondral defects; focal chondral defects; arthroscopy; debridement; mosaicplasty; chondrocyte implantation