Return to Sport After Articular Cartilage Repair in Athletes' Knees: A Systematic Review

Campbell AB, et al. · Arthroscopy

Return-to-sport rates: osteochondral autograft 89%, allograft 88%, ACI 84%, microfracture 75% (autograft and ACI significantly better than microfracture). Return timelines commonly 9-18 months depending on procedure; criteria-based progression recommended.

Population

20 studies, 1,117 athletes after cartilage repair (microfracture, ACI, osteochondral autograft/allograft)

Intervention

Cartilage repair surgery plus rehabilitation and return-to-sport progression

Comparator

Across techniques

Limitations

Observational studies, varied RTS definitions and rehab protocols; athlete populations skew young/motivated.