Below are documented intra-operative cartilage-repair cases from Dr. Gomoll's practice. Each shows the defect appearance, the technique used (subchondral drilling or umbilical cord MSC implantation), and the rationale for that choice. For more patient-side outcomes, see success stories and patient testimonials.
Cartilage repair cases
Case Study
Cartilage defect after subchondral drilling
Cartilage defect in the medial femoral condyle after preparation and marrow stimulation with multiple drill holes.
This intra-operative photograph shows a focal articular cartilage defect in the medial femoral condyle of the knee. After arthroscopic preparation, multiple small drill holes were placed through the subchondral bone (subchondral drilling, sometimes called microfracture when an awl is used). Bone marrow elements bleed into the defect and form a stable clot that matures into fibrocartilage repair tissue. This technique is most appropriate for smaller cartilage defects.
Procedure: Subchondral drilling (microfracture)
Case Study
Umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem-cell implantation
Defect in the medial femoral condyle after stem cell implantation as part of the Cartistem® FDA trial.
This image shows a medial femoral condyle defect immediately after implantation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, mixed with hyaluronan. The stem cells were obtained from healthy newborn umbilical cord and placental tissue (otherwise discarded after delivery), grown in culture, and pasted into pre-drilled holes within the prepared defect. This was performed as part of an FDA-supervised clinical trial — see our active trials page for current research.
Procedure: Umbilical cord MSC transplantation (Cartistem® trial)
More patient outcomes
- Video success stories — patient testimonials on Iron Man racing after cartilage transplant, BEAR ACL repair, partial knee replacement, and more
- Written testimonials — 16+ patients on cartilage repair, ACL reconstruction, meniscus transplantation, and HTO
- In the news — CBS, ABC, ESPN coverage of Dr. Gomoll's cartilage and stem-cell work
- Active clinical trials — participate in advancing the field
Could one of these procedures be right for you?
Dr. Gomoll evaluates each case individually using high-resolution imaging and a focused clinical exam.
