Cartilage Conundrums in 2024: Cases From the Experts (2024 Annual Meeting)-Cartilage Conundrums in 2024: Cases From the Experts

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This session at ANA24, featuring renowned cartilage experts Drs. Cole, Critch, and Vidal, focused on practical, case-based discussions about cartilage pathology and treatment, emphasizing that not all cartilage lesions require surgery. Key takeaways include prioritizing non-surgical management when possible, addressing the whole joint environment (alignment, meniscus, ligaments), and managing patient expectations.<br /><br />The panel shared insights through various cases: a professional baseball player with meniscal and cartilage injury illustrating the challenges of treatment timing and load management; a female patient with a patellar chondral lesion emphasizing the value of diagnostic arthroscopy and cautious surgery decisions; a 15-year-old with a large osteochondral loose body demonstrating fixation techniques including suture anchors for cartilage repair; and a 28-year-old female volleyball player with bipolar patellofemoral arthritis highlighting complex surgeries involving osteochondral allografts combined with osteotomies and the importance of realistic patient counseling.<br /><br />Throughout, the experts stressed that many cartilage conditions can coexist asymptomatically and that surgery should be chosen carefully—sometimes doing less or nothing is best. Managing mechanical symptoms and understanding cartilage lesion size, location, patient activity level, and resources are crucial in decision-making.<br /><br />Emerging treatments, such as autologous minced cartilage with biologic augmentation, were discussed as promising, cost-effective alternatives to traditional two-stage procedures. The panel also emphasized the importance of communication with patients regarding surgical risks, expected outcomes, and the potential need for future interventions.<br /><br />Audience engagement supported a preference for case-based formats over traditional lectures, with suggestions for more interactive participation in future sessions.

Asset Caption

Rachel M. Frank, M.D., Moderator | Brian J. Cole, M.D., M.B.A., FAANA | Armando F. Vidal, M.D. | Aaron J. Krych, M.D.

Keywords

cartilage pathology

non-surgical management

joint environment

meniscus injury

patellar chondral lesion

osteochondral loose body

suture anchor fixation

bipolar patellofemoral arthritis

osteochondral allografts

autologous minced cartilage

patient counseling