Focal resurfacing involves using a small implant of metal or plastic to replace an area of damaged joint surface.
Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Focal implant on femoral condyle.
'NICE' monitoring focal resurfacing outcomes
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are monitoring outcomes of focal resurfacing implants to treat articular cartilage defects as they feel that the long-term evidence on safety is limited in quality and quantity.
Forum discussions
- Strange knee
A patient's own long-term struggles with a chondral defect and subsequent focal implant.
Synonyms:
Focal implant
Focal cartilage implant
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Relevant content -
Peer-reviewed papers -
- 2017 - A Comparison of the Outcomes for Cartilage Defects of the Knee Treated With Biologic Resurfacing Versus Focal Metallic Implants. - interpreted by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
eBook - Knee arthritis interventions when you are too young for a total knee replacement
Written by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor). Free to download.