Definition: A mosaic graft is a type of cartilage replacement. A mosaic graft is a procedure that uses that patient's own healthy cartilage to replace damaged areas of cartilage. To date, mosaic grafts have only been used in the knee joint.
In this procedure multiple 'plugs' of cartilage are removed from areas that are not needed (i.e. where the cartilage is not on a weight bearing area of the bone). Cartilage covers the joint areas where two bones contact each other. However, areas of cartilage also cover some non-contact points. This cartilage can be removed from the non weight-bearing surfaces. Corresponding holes are drilled in the damaged area to remove the unhealthy cartilage and replaced with the plugs. This gives the appearance of a mosaic.
Also Known As: Cartilage Replacement, OATS
