Cartilage – the most stubborn entity of all?

Sad to see when new methods fail to improve outcomes. The image is CC by Karly Crystal

Sad to see when new methods fail to improve outcomes. The image is CC by Karly Crystal

I’ve previously [written](http://gforge.se/2012/07/cartilage-defects-part-iv/) about some interesting studies on treatment of cartilage defects. I was therefore thrilled to see Knutsen et al’s 15 year follow-up study. Unfortunately the results were rather disappointing; autologous chondorcyte implantation failed at a higher rate than microfractures, 40% vs 30%. Continue reading