Novel, superporous and multi-functional hydrogels have been developed for the repair of cartilage defects. The nondegradable phase of poly(vinyl alcohol) will restore mechanical stability to the joint, while the degradable phase of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres release growth factor, stimulating surrounding cartilage cells to migrate and proliferate throughout the scaffold, resulting in a composite, hydrogel-cartilage construct.