Bone Marrow Stimulation Techniques for Cartilage Repair

Multiple techniques have been suggested for the treatment of isolated knee articular cartilage injuries. For smaller lesions <3 cm2, bone marrow stimulation (BMS) techniques are commonly used. Bone marrow stimulations alone with techniques such as nano-drilling, abrasion arthroplasty, and microfracture are best suited for defects less than 1 cm2, while larger defects need an augmentation with different porous biomaterials to fill the defect area up to congruity. Different available BMS techniques are described related to indications, techniques, rehabilitation, and outcomes.