Osteochondral autologous transplantation in various joints

A chondral/osteochondral defect involving the articular surface of a joint is still a therapeutic problem. The goal of articular cartilage repair is r estoration of cartilage congruity, acomplishing full painfree range of moti on and elimination of cartilage detoriation. The use of autologous grafts w as first reported by Wagner 1964. Now the use of cylindrical autograft plug s was described by Bobic 1996 and Hangody 1996. Operative management and ea rly results of osteochondral cylindrical autograft plugs in the femoral con dyle, patella, elbow and talar dome are presented. The arthroscopic/open us e of autologous osteochondral grafts from the knee is indicated in osteocho ndral lesions in diameter from 1 to 3 cm, which can not be primarily refixe d and in osteonecrosis at femoral condyle, patella, elbow, talar dame as we ll as shoulder.