ABSTRACT
Effective treatment of articular cartilage defects remains one of the most demanding clinical problems in orthopedic surgery. Articular cartilage is a highly organized structure comprised largely of an extracellular matrix (ECM) that confers the complex biomechanical properties of the tissue. In synovial joints, layers of articular cartilage face the synovial cavity on one side, whereas they present the connection to the subchondral bone by a narrow layer of calciŒed cartilage on the other side. The cartilaginous layer functions to provide a low-friction, wear-resistant surface to support and transmit load and motion between bones. Although the tissue is characterized by extensive durability, its poor intrinsic capability for natural healing requires intervention after traumatic or degenerative damage. Left untreated, articular lesions may result in debilitating pain and dysfunction of the joint and degenerating disorders such as osteoarthritis.
