Introduction

The rationale behind using carbon fiber as a biomaterial is as follows:

In 1987,¹ Minns et al. published a preliminary clinical experience in a new concept of biological resurfacing using carbon fiber implants in the form of pads or rods placed in defects within the knee that elicit a dense organized matrix of fibrous tissue that forms a new biological and functioning articular surface. No evidence of implant fragmentation has been seen since implantation in the 145 knees studied.¹

Carbon fiber arthroplasty appears to be appropriate in the surgical management of ICRS Grades 3 and 4 articular cartilage lesions in the painful knee.^2,3,4,5

FIGURE 4B-1 Carbon rod of 12.5 mm length; the average diameter is 3.2 mm. Porosity is about 50%.

FIGURE 4B-2 Carbon pad, approximately 4 mm thick in discs up to 22 mm in diameter. Porosity is about 85%.

FIGURE 4B-3 Carbon rods and pads implantation set.

With the arthroscope in the anterolateral portal, a special cannula with an obturator is inserted into an anteromedial portal.

The cannula is positioned in the defect, on the bony surface (Fig. 4B-4).

FIGURE 4B-4 The cannula is positioned in the defect, on the bony surface.

The obturator is removed. Through the cannula, a 3.2-mm drill bit is put and a hole is drilled until depth- stop (Fig. 4B-5).

FIGURE 4B-5 A 3.2-mm drill bit is put through the cannula, and a hole is drilled until depth-stop.

The holes should be drilled at a minimum distance of 8 to 10 mm apart to maintain a reliable interposing bone between the holes.