Editorial Commentary: When Performing Cartilage Restoration, Please Don't Put Down the Osteotomy Saw!

Abstract

Cartilage restoration procedures appear to be increasing in popularity and are being performed more frequently for older patients according to a recent analysis of database data. Chondroplasty and microfracture are most commonly performed; however, chondrocyte transfer procedures, including osteochondral autologous transplantation and autologous chondrocyte implantation, are being performed more commonly. Relatively few corrective osteotomies are being performed in conjunction with these procedures; this is concerning because surgeons are either not looking for malalignment or not correcting it. Please, when performing joint preservation surgery, don't put down the saw!