TABLE 4.

Outcome Studies on Chondral and Osteochondral Defect Repair Among Children and Adolescents in the Knee Joint

Published evidence on cartilage repair is weak.

Clinical outcomes of standard cartilage repair techniques are considered satisfying.

Selected trials have reported superior outcomes in comparison with adult patients.

Previous surgery and symptom duration are the 2 main factors to influence/predict clinical outcomes.

Return to the preinjury sports activity and level is correlated with shorter preoperative symptoms and a lower number of prior surgery.

Microfracture results in inferior outcomes with increasing defect size.

Microfracture results may deteriorate over time.