171: Next-Gen Knees: Modern Cartilage Restoration

Live from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies Conference🎧 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with cartilage restoration expert Dr. Travis Maak to discuss the modern surgical management of knee cartilage defects.The conversation focuses on diagnostic workup, surgical decision-making, and cutting-edge cartilage restoration techniques, including Autocart, BioCartilage, and Cartiform.Diagnostic Imaging - MRI is critical for: Defect size and depth  Subchondral bone integrity and edema  Concomitant meniscal and ligament pathologySurgical Decision-Making Patient age & activity level  Lesion size, location, & containment  Subchondral bone involvement  Prior surgical historyAutocart (Autologous Minced Cartilage)Single-stage autograft cartilage restoration techniqueUses patient’s own cartilage with PRP or BMACKey advantages: Preserves native chondrocytes & extracellular matrix  Avoids staged procedures Ideal for small-to-medium contained lesionsOutcomes: Significant improvements in pain & function at ~5 years  ~75% achieve clinically meaningful outcomes  Low reoperation rates BioCartilageMicronized cartilage extracellular matrix allograft scaffoldUsed in combination with microfracture and biologics (PRP/BMAC)Functions as a biologic bridge to enhance cartilage repairBest for: Small-to-medium, contained, full-thickness defects  Well-aligned, stable knees Outcomes: Improved pain and function at 2 years  Better repair tissue quality compared to microfracture alone CartiformCryopreserved osteochondral allograft with viable chondrocytes Maintains native cartilage architectureIndicated for: Larger lesions (>2 cm²)  Defects with subchondral bone involvement Advantages: Single-stage procedure  Conforms to irregular defects Key TakeawaysCartilage restoration success depends on correcting biomechanics first Procedure selection should be lesion-specific and patient-specific Autocart offers a promising autograft solution with strong midterm data BioCartilage fills the gap between microfracture and larger restoration procedures Cartiform is a valuable option for larger defects and requires careful patient selectionFeatured GuestDr. Travis Maak – University of Utah, Head Team Physician for the Utah Jazz, cartilage restoration and joint preservation specialist🎤 Stay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTubeFollow us on Instagram