Stem cell and cartilage in orthopaedics

In the past decade, much has been learnt about the regeneration and repair of skeletal tissues. Regeneration involves slow replacement of tissues with identical tissue. It occurs readily in the embryo, hardly at all in neonates, and is never observed in adults. In 1743 Hunter¹ stated, “From Hippocrates to the present age it is universally allowed that ulcerated cartilage is a troublesome thing and that, once destroyed, is not repaired.” A now extensive knowledge base of both repair and regeneration in orthopaedics tissues has enabled the development of new and innovative treatment modalities.