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Knee Surgery: Cartilage Transplantation Autograft

HSS is the #1 orthopedic hospital in the world and a national leader in rheumatology. This content was created by our physicians and experts.

Articular cartilage is a firm, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones, providing a smooth gliding surface for joints and acting as a cushion between bones. Cartilage can break down due to overuse or injury, which can lead to pain and swelling and problems with your joint.

Your treatment will depend on the size of the defect and the judgment of your surgeon. This procedure is performed on people who have a specific cartilage defect typically due to an injury; it is not done when cartilage loss is much more extensive.

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