Clinical Evaluation and Preoperative Planning of Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

Articular cartilage injuries are quite common. Most studies and review articles on cartilage repair and restoration focus on the different techniques available to treat cartilage defects; however, few thoroughly discuss the initial evaluation of patients with these defects. Outcomes are intimately associated with appropriate patient selection and indications for treatment; therefore, understanding the initial evaluation and conservative treatment of cartilage defects is essential to achieving excellent outcomes after surgical intervention, regardless of the chosen procedure. In patients with cartilage injury, a careful history, physical examination, and imaging are required before treating the lesion to ensure the patient's symptoms are actually related to the defect. To address any special considerations, other factors must be considered to improve patient outcomes, including the status of the meniscus, assessing and treating malalignment or offloading the patellofemoral compartment, and reconstructing any ligamentous deficiencies. It is important for medical providers to understand what cartilage lesions may be symptomatic and when to refer these patients to surgeons who manage cartilage injury.