• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.159-166
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• 2008

Articular cartilage is a unique tissue with no vascular, nerve, or lymphatic supply. This uniqueness may be one of the reasons why chondral injuries will hardly heal and may progress to osteoarthritis over time. Currently, there are several surgical options for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions. Although there is some discrepancy as to which procedures work best in certain patients. The spectrum of treatment alternatives for articular cartilage defects can range from simple lavage and debridement, drilling, micro-fracturing, and abrasion to osteochondral grafting and autologous chondrocyte implantation. In 1984, for the first time, results of autologous chondrocyte implantation in a rabbit model were presented, showing hyaline cartilage repair. Clinical study using autologous cultured chondrocyte implantation in chondral defects of the human knee has been reported in 23 patients in 1994. In 14 out of 16 patients treated for chondral injuries on the femoral condyles, the results were good to excellent. It is important for the surgeon to understand the autologous chondrocyte implantation technique and to be aware on the postoperative management. Attention to surgical technique and selection of appropriate patient for the autologous chondrocyte implantation will provide with the best results.