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Cartilage Restoration in the Patellofemoral Joint

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Abstract

The patellofemoral joint represents a very unique challenge in the setting of cartilage restoration. The architecture of the joint limits the available options, and the motion across the articular surfaces makes anatomic reconstruction essential. This chapter details some of the many cartilage restoration techniques that are available. From microfracture to osteochondral allografting and autologous chondrocyte implantation, an in-depth analysis and description is provided for each. Furthermore, cartilage restoration cannot be viewed in isolation, especially in the patellofemoral joint. Patellar tracking and overall alignment can play just as important a role. Often, a correction in alignment is completed at the same time as the cartilage restoration, and these concepts are covered in this chapter. Cartilage restoration in the patellofemoral joint is a complex undertaking, and the exact etiology of the defect must be ascertained and addressed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Nicolas Brown M.D. & Brian J. Cole M.D., M.B.A.

  2. Sports Medicine Division, Department of Orthopedics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Geoffrey S. Van Thiel M.D., M.B.A.

  3. Rockford Orthopedic Associates, 324 Roxburg Road, Rockford, IL, 61107, USA

    Geoffrey S. Van Thiel M.D., M.B.A.

Authors
  1. Nicolas Brown M.D.
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  2. Geoffrey S. Van Thiel M.D., M.B.A.
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  3. Brian J. Cole M.D., M.B.A.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Geoffrey S. Van Thiel M.D., M.B.A. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Ctr. for Sports Med. & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Robin V. West

  2. Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA

    Alexis C. Colvin

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Brown, N., Van Thiel, G.S., Cole, B.J. (2014). Cartilage Restoration in the Patellofemoral Joint. In: West, R., Colvin, A. (eds) The Patellofemoral Joint in the Athlete. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4157-1_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4157-1_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-4156-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-4157-1

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