Focal articular cartilage defects in the knee pose a difficult challenge. Advances in the understanding of biologic principles and application of newer clinical techniques in repair, regeneration, and transplantation of articular cartilage have generated enormous interest in both the orthopedic community and the general public. Nonetheless, treatment of cartilage lesions is still considered an unsolved clinical and scientific problem. Fresh osteochondral allografting for localized defects in articular cartilage of the knee is one approach that has perhaps the longest clinical experience.<sup>1 Beaver R.J., Mahomed M., Backstein D. , e al. Fresh osteochondral allografts for post traumatic defects in the knee: A survivorship analysis J Bone Joint Surg Br 1992 ;  74 : 105-110

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 3 Chu CR, Convery FR, Akeson WA, et al: Articular cartilage transplantation: Clinical results in the knee. Clin Orthop, in press

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 4 Convery F.R., Meyers M.H., Akeson W.A. Fresh osteochondral allografting of the femoral condyle Clin Orthop 1991 ;  273 : 139-145

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> At least three centers in North America are routinely performing fresh allografting procedures, with experience extending over two decades. Although there are differences in patient selection and technique among these groups, basic principles and reported clinical outcomes are quite similar.<sup>1 Beaver R.J., Mahomed M., Backstein D. , e al. Fresh osteochondral allografts for post traumatic defects in the knee: A survivorship analysis J Bone Joint Surg Br 1992 ;  74 : 105-110

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 3 Chu CR, Convery FR, Akeson WA, et al: Articular cartilage transplantation: Clinical results in the knee. Clin Orthop, in press

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 4 Convery F.R., Meyers M.H., Akeson W.A. Fresh osteochondral allografting of the femoral condyle Clin Orthop 1991 ;  273 : 139-145

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 6 Garrett J.D. Fresh osteochondral allografts for treatment of articular defects in osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral in adults Clin Orthop 1994 ;  303 : 33-37

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 10 Meyers M.H., Akeson W.A., Convery F.R. Resurfacing of the knee with fresh osteochondral allograft J Bone Joint Surg Am 1989 ;  71 : 704-713

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>

In 1983, a program was developed at the University of California, San Diego, to investigate the clinical outcome of transplantation of fresh osteochondral shell allografts in the knee. Approximately 200 procedures have been performed to date. The overall experience has been extremely positive and has encouraged the authors to continue to use this technique in the treatment of focal chondral and osteochondral defects and to investigate its application in more extensive cartilage disease states.