Single-Stage Treatment of a Patellar Osteochondral Defect in an Adolescent Using Autologous Minced Cartilage – Platelet-Rich Plasma Scaffold Technique: A Case Report and Technical Considerations

Introduction: Osteochondral defects of the patella in pediatric patients are rare but clinically significant due to pain, mechanical symptoms, and potential long-term sequelae. Traditional two-stage approaches, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, are often avoided in younger patients due to surgical burden and cost. This case report presents a single-stage biologic cartilage repair using autologous minced cartilage and a biologic scaffold (AutoCart, Arthrex) in a 14-year-old male with a symptomatic osteochondral defect in the patella. Case Report: The technique involves arthroscopic harvest of autologous minced cartilage, intra-operative preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and application of a cartilage-PRP-BioCartilage matrix. Cancellous bone graft was also added in this case due to the large size of the defect. Conclusion: At 6 months post-operative, the patient was asymptomatic, had returned to full activity, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed excellent defect filling with no complications.