TABLE 3.

Chondral and Osteochondral Defect Dimensions and Recommended Operative Treatment Modality

Small lesions are regarded as <2 cm2.

Large lesions are regarded as >2 cm2.

Chondral lesion <2 cm2: microfracture.

Chondral lesion >2 cm2: autologous chondrocyte implantation.a

Osteochondral lesion <1.5 cm2: osteochondral cylinder transplantation.b

Osteochondral lesion >1.5 cm2: autologous chondrocyte implantation plus subchondral bone grafting.

With respect to frequent subchondral bone abnormalities, particular attention has to be paid to this region.

Marrow stimulation procedures as well as osteochondral cylinder transplantation are not recommended for the patellar undersurface.

^aAlternative cell-based techniques may be applied (particularly in the future).

^bIt should be the goal to use a maximum of 2 osteochondral cylinders when this technique is performed to minimize donor site morbidity and to avoid a “cobblestone” pattern at the recipient site.