Osteochondral Lesions of the Knee

Abstract

Of all the complications that can occur in connection with joint surgery, damage to the articular cartilage surfaces ranks among the most debilitating and the most complicated to heal. As articular cartilage defects have a tendency to impair joint function, every attempt has to be made to restore the integrity of articular cartilage surfaces. Sometimes, following joint injury, there is a potential for self-healing, traces of which we often see in arthroscopic examinations. Most of the time, however, the healing potential is insufficient and a process of continuing degradation of the articular cartilage surface is instituted. The “rub-off” from the articular surfaces causes subclinical or clinical inflammation of the joint, which in turn impairs joint lubrication, thus preventing self-limitation of the process. At this point, the patient’s main complaint is not pain but reduced function, especially in sports activities.