Clinical Considerations and Joint Preservation Principles in the Management of Patients with Symptomatic Chondral Lesions.

Focal articular cartilage injuries of the knee are common and can be challenging to manage. To appropriately counsel and indicate patients for treatment, having a complete understanding of a patient's symptoms, goals for treatment, activity level, physical examination, and imaging findings is critical. Conservative measures, including activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and injections can result in substantial symptom relief. Reoperation after cartilage procedures is common and should be discussed preoperatively. Similarly, a successful outcome may be associated with incomplete pain relief or functional return. Treatment paradigms will continue to evolve as techniques improve and novel technologies are investigated.