A focal cartilage implant is an implant of metal, ceramic or plastic that replaces a small area of damaged joint cartilage.

Small implant on the condyle of the femur.

Trochlear implant for arthritic damage to the groove of the femur (trochlear groove).
How does a focal cartilage implant work?
A focal implant may prevent further damage in a way analogous to a dental filling, providing an alternative to a joint replacement. Patients with such a problem are often relatively young with otherwise healthy joint cartilage.
CLINICAL PUBLICATIONS
The clinical outcome of the different HemiCAP and UniCAP knee implants: A systematic and comprehensive review. Malahias MA, Chytas D, Thorey F. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2018 Jun 14;10(2):7531.
Cartilage Health in Knees Treated with Metal Resurfacing Implants or Untreated Focal Cartilage Lesions: A Preclinical Study in Sheep.. Martinez-Carranza N, Hultenby K, Lagerstedt AS, Schupbach P, Berg HE. Cartilage. 2017 Jul 1:1947603517720260. doi: 10.1177/1947603517720260. [Epub ahead of print].
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