Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes pain and decreased function due to the destruction of normal tissues of the joint with various causes. The knee is the most common joint affected by osteoarthritis, and numerous attempts have been made to treat early osteoarthritis.
As treatments, various surgical techniques have been used to restore damaged cartilage. Each surgical procedure currently performed has its strengths and weaknesses. The criteria for selecting the surgical procedures have not been determined. This review article organizes the information and clinical results of cartilage restoration procedures, including marrow stimulation techniques and cell-based therapy.