Articular cartilage is a hyaline type cartilage composed of chondrocytes and an extracellular matrix, mainly consisted of type II collagen. Regenerative ability is limited in adult articular cartilage. The zonal structure of hyaline articular cartilage contributes to its mechanical properties. Articular cartilage lesions are a common pathology. Outerbridge and ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) classifications are most commonly used to grade these lesions. Types of treatment can be divided into conservative, surgical and new methods. Conservative methods serve as a symptomatic therapy. Surgical methods are palliative, reparative and restorative methods. Palliative methods are debridement, chondral shaving and joint lavage. Reparative methods are microfractures, subchondral abrasion and drilling, autologous matrix-assisted chondrogenesis. Their goal is to stimulate bleeding from the bone marrow and the differentiation of stem cells, which results in the formation of fibrocartilaginous cartilage. Despite the simpler technique and lower cost of methods, the mechanical properties of fibrocartilaginous cartilage are inferior to hyaline. Restorative methods aim to complete the lesion with hyaline cartilage that provides better mechanical properties compared to fibrocartilaginous cartilage. Autographs, allografts or autologous cartilage implants are used. The constant progress of implant technology improves the method in which it is used. Donor site morbidity, host vs allograft reaction, or the need for 2 procedures for the method are possible disadvantages of these methods. Stem cells, gene therapy and other methods, such as extracellular vesicles, are among the new methods of treatment. Further research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy. Until the emergence of a unique protocol for articular cartilage lesions, surgeons are left with a decision based on previous experience and the capabilities of the treatment center.