TABLE 2.

Pros, Cons, and Specific Areas Needed for Future Study in the Use of Cartilage Implants and Biologic Scaffolds^a

Pros Able to bridge isolated, full-thickness cartilage defects Can restore function to previously damaged weightbearing zone Single-step, point-of-care surgical techniques currently in research Provides clinical option for large, full-thickness osteochondral defects Cons Inconsistent generation of hyaline-like versus fibrocartilage product Resiliency of implant lacking compared with native articular surface Currently accepted protocol requires 2 steps (2 operations) Lack of FDA-approved new implants or innovation Needs for future study Environmental factors involved in generation of hyaline-like product Innovation of currently accepted ACI protocol (ie, new technology) Large-scale, prospective, multicenter trials needed for outcome evidence Improved national and international collaboration in research Collaboration with governing bodies to promote scientific advancement

^aACI, autologous chondrocyte implantation; FDA, Food and Drug Administration (United States).