Avascular necrosis complicating chondral resurfacing techniques.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and mosaicplasty have become established operations used to treat full-thickness chondral lesions in the knee and elsewhere. Although complications of both have been documented, there are no previous reports of avascular necrosis (AVN) complicating these procedures. Awareness of AVN as a complication of ACI might have prompted an earlier diagnosis, with possible non-surgical treatment or more minor surgery being possible. At the very least, an appropriate form of management could have been initiated earlier, so shortening the period of disability and suffering for the patient.