Articular Cartilage Repair Using Marrow Stimulation Augmented with a Viable Chondral Allograft: 9-Month Postoperative Histological Evaluation

Figure 2

(a) Defect. The defect was inspected intraoperatively. The fissure in the trochlea measured approximately 5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length. (b) Removal of damaged cartilage. Loose fragmenting cartilage was removed until healthy, viable cartilage was encountered. The defect space then measured approximately 10 mm by 10 mm. (c) Marrow stimulation. The base of the defect was drilled to facilitate blood flow from the bone marrow into the defect space. (d) Chondral allograft application. This is a representative photo from a different case, demonstrating the final application of the chondral allograft. Note that the free edges of the chondral allograft were sutured to surrounding cartilage and a fibrin sealant was then applied to stabilize the chondral allograft within the lesion site.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)