Knorpel-Knochen-Transplantation

The aim of osteochondral transplantion is to transfer intact cartilage from joint areas that are not subject to much stress to zones in the main weightbearing region where there are defects. Even though the transplanted cartilage is not integrated into the tissue already present, hyaline structures have been detected histologically in biopsies and in animal experiments. The medium-term and the few long-term results are very promising. It depends on the genesis, the localization and the severity of the cartilage defect whether this treatment is indicated. Traumatic, locally circumscribed, osteochondral lesions of the femoral condyle grade III–IV (Outerbridge) are the ideal indication for transplantation; it is also possible in other joints, albeit with varying clinical results. Generalized osteoarthrosis is a contraindication to this procedure. So far it is not known how the progression of arthrosis is attenuated by osteochondral transplantation.