Matrix-guided cartilage regeneration in chondral defects.

Small cartilage defects treated with microfracture show comparable clinical results to those treated with ACI (autologous chondrocyte implantation). Unfortunately, the regenerative tissue generated by microfracture treatment does not exhibit the structure and function of hyaline articular cartilage. Adult mesenchymal stem cells are supposed to be capable of differentiating according to mechanical stimuli, e.