Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21857/y7v64tpq3y
Modern Approach to Treatment of Knee Articular Cartilage Injuries – from Conservative Methods to Regenerative Medicine
Matej Črep
Marko Pećina
Afan Ališić
Alan Ivković
Sažetak
This article presents the anatomical and pathophysiological basis of cartilage injuries, their clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches, with particular emphasis on treatment options, primarily in the knee joint. Following an overview of the anatomy and biomechanics of articular cartilage, the pathophysiology and mechanisms of injury, and the clinical features and diagnostic methods, the main focus is placed on treatment possibilities, especially surgical and biological-regenerative therapies. Surgical options include bone marrow stimulation techniques (microfracture and nanofracture), bone
marrow stimulation combined with three-dimensional scaffolds, autologous chondrocyte implantation, minced autologous cartilage implantation, osteochondral transplantation, patient-specific metal implants, and corrective osteotomies. We also present a novel method using a temporary knee joint distraction device. Among biological-regenerative approaches, therapies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), gene therapy, and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are discussed. Given the limited regenerative potential of cartilage tissue, treatment strategies must be carefully individualized and tailored to the anatomical, biomechanical, and pathophysiological characteristics of the injury. While conservative methods often provide symptomatic relief without structural restoration, surgical and biological approaches such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, minced cartilage implantation, osteochondral transplantation, MSC therapy, PRP, gene therapy, and BMPs show promising results in functional restoration and slowing lesion progression, although their long-term efficacy and standardized protocols remain subjects of ongoing research. Ultimately, a
multidisciplinary and personalized approach integrating biomechanical correction, biological stimulation, and targeted rehabilitation is crucial for optimal management of cartilage injuries and preservation of joint function.
Ključne riječi
articular cartilage; cartilage injuries; biological therapies; surgical treatment; cartilage regeneration
Hrčak ID:
346150
URI
Datum izdavanja:
28.12.2025.
Posjeta: 449 *