Method and apparatus for harvesting cartilage for treatment of a cartilage defect

摘要

A method for treating a cartilage defect can include identifying an area of excessive boney growth on at least one of a femoral head and a femoral neck of a patient where the excessive boney growth area is covered with articular cartilage. A portion of the articular cartilage can be harvested from the identified area of excessive boney growth and an area of cartilage damage in an acetabulum of the patient can be identified. The harvested portion of the articular cartilage can be implanted into the identified area of cartilage damage in the acetabulum.

主权项

1. A method for treating a cartilage defect, comprising:
identifying an area of excessive boney growth in a patient, the excessive boney growth area being covered with articular cartilage; determining whether the excessive boney growth area is suitable for harvesting; harvesting a portion of the articular cartilage from the excessive boney growth area; identifying an area of cartilage damage in the patient; and implanting the portion of the articular cartilage into the area of cartilage damage.