Editorial Commentary: Focal Cartilage Defects in Young Patients Indicate Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Sooner Rather Than Later

Abstract

Articular cartilage lesions, whether acute or chronic, are among the most common and difficult-to-treat conditions of the knee in the adolescent and athletic population. The results from a study in this issue as well as some in the previous literature suggest that autologous chondrocyte implantation yields long-term improvement in function and symptoms and may be a viable treatment for young to adult athletes or patients with high physical demands and a long active lifespan. No intervention in the young symptomatic patient will yield inferior results because it appears that no treatment over time has deleterious effects. Treatment in young athletes should include (1) early stabilization of ligament injuries, (2) resurfacing chondral defects, (3) correction of malalignment, (4) restoration of meniscal integrity, and (5) utilization of a chondroprotective strategy with orthobiological interventions.