Cartilage is a firm, rubbery connective tissue that covers ends of bone and serves as a cushion between bones. Over time, cartilage can wear down (osteoarthritis) and become damaged due to injury.
One way in which damaged cartilage can be repaired is through a technique called autograft cartilage transplant. "Autograft" refers to tissue that originates from the patient's own body.
In autograft cartilage transplant, damaged cartilage is removed and, in its place, a "plug" of healthy bone and cartilage is transplanted from a non-weight bearing section of the thigh bone (femur).
The orthopedics departments of John C. Lincoln Hospitals invite you to watch the following overview of autograft dartilage transplant surgery.