Editorial Commentary: Osteochondral Allografting Is a "Kid-Friendly" Cartilage Repair Procedure

Abstract

Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation has been my preferred procedure for chondral and osteochondral lesions for many decades. This is particularly true for patients younger than 18 years of age, where diagnoses such as osteochondritis dissecans, osteochondral fractures, and osteonecrosis predominate, rendering the situation as much a "bone problem" as a "cartilage problem." In the universe of cartilage-repair techniques, osteochondral allografts are particularly useful when bone defects must be managed. Furthermore, allografts have stood the test of time for safety, efficacy, and durability, even in a young, active population. For me, I don't think twice about using fresh allografts in young patients. I might even have to admit that an osteochondral allograft transplantation procedure for an osteochondritis dissecans lesion in a patient younger than 18 years old is my favorite surgery!