Treatment of Hip Cartilage Defects in Athletes

Chondral defects in the athlete’s hip are a relatively common occurrence, often presenting with debilitating pain and activity limitation. Preoperative identification of cartilage defects is challenging and there are many different modalities for treatment. Nonsurgical interventions, including activity modification, physical therapy, and injections, play a vital role, especially in less severe cases and as adjuncts to surgical intervention. Treating surgeons must be familiar with the cartilage restoration procedures available, including debridement, microfracture, and various implantation and transplantation options. Safe and effective management of cartilage defects is imperative to an athlete’s return to sport. It is also imperative that surgeons are aware of all these various treatment options to determine what modality is best for their patients. This review serves to outline these options, cover the published literature, and provide general guidelines for surgeons when they encounter chondral defects in the office and the operating room.