Cartilage Biopsy for Autologous Cell–Based Repair of the Knee in the Wide-Awake Setting Using Needle Arthroscopy

Abstract

Chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee are a commonly occurring pathology that can pose challenges to the treating surgeon. For the appropriate cartilage injury, autologous cell–based articular cartilage repair techniques have shown promising results. However, these treatments traditionally require 2 separate surgical procedures. Recent advances in needle arthroscopy technology have made it possible to conduct the first stage of autologous chondrocyte implantation surgery in the wide-awake office setting, mitigating cost and resource utilization. The purpose of this technical note is to serve as a proof of concept and describe the process of obtaining a cartilage sample in the wide-awake patient using a needle arthroscope.