Course Lecture Pearls: Advanced Knee-Articular Cartilage-Treatment Considerations for Larger Condylar Lesions (_2 cm)-Faculty Lecture

Treatment Considerations for Larger Condylar Lesions (_2 cm)-Faculty Lecture_ Paul E. Caldwell, MD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Paul Caldwell discusses treatment options for large femoral chondral lesions (>2 cm²), emphasizing accurate lesion measurement and addressing meniscal, alignment, and ligament deficiencies. He compares two main treatments: osteochondral allografts (transplanting viable cartilage and bone from donors) and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI, growing patient’s cells on a collagen matrix). Allografts are single-stage with faster rehab but costly and complex; ACI is two-stage, expensive, technically difficult, with longer rehab but suited for irregular or trochlear lesions. Caldwell prefers allografts for weight-bearing condyles and revisions, and ACI/MACI for surface or trochlea lesions, stressing comprehensive osteochondral management.

Keywords

femoral chondral lesions

osteochondral allografts

autologous chondrocyte implantation

lesion measurement

osteochondral management