Autologous Cartilage Repair with Autocart: A Case Report of Knee Osteochondral Lesion Treatment

Abstract

Osteochondral lesions of the knee represent a challenging pathology due to their limited intrinsic healing potential. These defects are frequently encountered in young and active individuals and may lead to persistent pain, functional impairment, and progression to early osteoarthritis if left untreated. Conventional surgical strategies, such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and osteochondral transfer procedures, have shown variable outcomes and are often associated with increased morbidity, prolonged rehabilitation or the need for staged interventions. The AutoCart procedure, a single-stage arthroscopic minced cartilage technique, combines autologous cartilage fragments with platelet-rich plasma and autologous thrombin. This approach provides a biologically favorable environment for cartilage repair while reducing the complexity, cost and regulatory demands associated with multi-stage procedures.