Isolated Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for a Focal Chondral Defect of the Patella

Patellar chondral lesions are disabling injuries that are mechanically limiting and lead to the further progression of osteoarthritis. Patellar chondral lesions are identified in 11.0% to 34.6% of routine knee arthroscopies. Multiple surgical interventions, including chondroplasty, microfracture, osteochondral transplantation, and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation, have been described, but the best treatment method is debated. For isolated chondral lesions of the patella, osteochondral autograft transplantation from a lesser weightbearing surface in the knee has reported mid- and long-term success. This Technical Note describes isolated osteochondral autograft transplantation for a focal chondral defect of the patella.