Editorial Comments

Abstract

The field of cartilage repair continues to advance after the advent of cell-based and single-stage chondrocyte implantation technologies. Cartilage restoration through first-generation techniques such as marrow stimulation, osteochondral autografting and allografting, and autologous chondrocyte implantation has a proven track record. However, newer second-generation and third-generation cell-based technologies are being developed and tested clinically with the purposes of decreasing operative morbidity, the ability to use a single-stage approach, and improve the viability and durability of cartilage repair tissue. This issue of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review is dedicated to providing an overview of both the current and emerging cartilage restoration technologies. The contributors are pioneers in the field of cartilage regeneration and have covered topics such as the Food and Drug Administration regulatory pathway for biologics, cell-based and single-stage cartilage transplantation, advanced imaging of cartilage repair, and fourth-generation emerging technologies. The authors have provided a comprehensive review of the latest in cartilage restoration technology, and have highlighted not only the science behind the development of cell-based technologies but also emerging surgical techniques for cartilage repair. Although not all of the described technologies are currently available in the United States, this issue of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review presents the basic science and early clinical results of this emerging field. We are indebted to our contributors and hope that the information contained in this issue provides healthcare professionals with a current understanding of the rapidly advancing field of cartilage repair. We took great pride in choosing the best of the best as topics and contributors and expect this to be a timely and high impact issue.