Articular cartilage lesions of the distal femur and patella are common. To provide an accurate diagnosis of a clinically symptomatic cartilage lesion and subsequent appropriate planning for potential treatment options, a proper staging is required. This includes clinical exam, radiographic imaging as well as arthroscopy. Once the staging is completed, other comorbidities may need to be addressed that may require additional surgical procedures. These can either be planned as staged procedures or concomitantly with a cartilage repair procedure. This article will discuss this staging and evaluation process in depth to serve as a guideline to the orthopaedic surgeon engaged in the treatment of cartilage defects in patients with early posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA).