[Therapeutic options in the treatment of cartilage defects. Techniques and indications].

BACKGROUND: Cartilage is composed of chondrocytes embedded within an extracellular matrix of collagens, proteoglycans, and noncollagenous proteins. Together, these structures maintain the unique mechanical properties and manifest its striking inability to heal even the most minor injury.
METHODS: This review presents the principles of cartilage structure and the biological background of cartilage repair and gives information about the surgical techniques for treating cartilage defects.
RESULTS: The response of cartilage to injuries differs from that of other tissues because of its avascularity, the immobility of chondrocytes and the limited ability of mature chondrocytes to proliferate and alter their synthetic patterns. Surgical therapeutic efforts in treating cartilage defects have focused on bringing new cells and tissues capable of chondrogenesis into the lesions and facilitating the access to the vascular system.
CONCLUSION: The right indication and the treatment of joint instability and axis deformation are essential for the successful use of cartilage repair procedures.