Novel Treatment Options for Knee Cartilage Defects

Background: Knee cartilage defects are a common issue that can lead to significant pain and functional impairment. Traditional treatment options include conservative measures such as physical therapy and medications, as well as surgical interventions like microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and osteochondral grafting. However, these methods often yield variable results, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies that may enhance cartilage repair and regeneration. Methods: This study reviews recent advancements in the treatment of knee cartilage defects, focusing on innovative surgical techniques and biomaterials. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review and analyzed various studies evaluating the efficacy of new approaches such as enhanced microfracture, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), and the use of scaffolds and stem cell therapies. This review also includes meta-analyses and clinical trials to assess the long-term outcomes of these new treatments compared to traditional methods. Results: Findings suggest that newer techniques, particularly those that combine microfracture with biological materials such as collagen matrices or stem cells, show promising results in promoting cartilage regeneration. For instance, AMIC has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes by enhancing the healing environment for cartilage defects. The studies highlighted in this review reported significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes and MRI assessments post-surgery. Moreover, enhanced microfracture techniques are associated with higher rates of cartilage repair and better functional recovery compared to standard microfracture alone. The study also emphasizes that while these new treatments show potential, further research is needed to establish standard protocols and long-term efficacy across different patient populations. Conclusion: Innovative treatment options for knee cartilage defects are rapidly advancing, offering hope for improved patient outcomes. Techniques such as enhanced microfracture and AMIC represent significant progress over traditional methods, potentially leading to better cartilage repair and functional recovery. As research continues to validate these approaches, they may become integral components of orthopedic practice for managing knee cartilage injuries.

کلیدواژه ها:

Knee cartilage defects ، microfracture ، autologous chondrocyte implantation ، autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis ، cartilage repair