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Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear, resulting in a joint surface that is no longer smooth. Damaged cartilage does not heal itself well, so doctors have developed surgical techniques to stimulate the growth of new cartilage. This procedure is used most commonly for the knee and most candidates are young adults with a single injury or lesion. Restoring articular cartilage can relieve pain, allow improved function, and delay or prevent the onset of arthritis.

Osteonecrosis, which literally means “bone death,” is a painful condition that develops when a segment of bone loses its blood supply and begins to die. Osteonecrosis of the knee most often occurs in the knobby portion of the thighbone, on the inside of the knee (medial femoral condyle). It may also occur on the outside of the knee (lateral femoral condyle) or on the flat top of the lower leg bone (tibial plateau).