Cartilage reconstruction using deep drilling and demineralised bone matrix is actually rebuilding both cartilage and bone. Cartilage lesions without earlier surgical treatment are treated with drilling and filling, failed reconstruction e.g. after microfractures or OATS causes larger changes in subchondral bone and are treated with larger bone debridement. 

New cartilage formation in saloplasty 

CBCT images below show the same knee before, and 9 months after reconstruction with demineralised bone. Gr III to IV knee cap cartilage defect has now new cartilage type layer, and 4.5 mm drill holes can be detected in subchondral bone plate.

Reconstruction of the facing side in patellofemoral joint. This area is typically the most demanding in knee joint for any cartilage reconstruction method. Same kind of new soft tissue formation and drill holes are detected than in former example.