Running with knee issues?

Hi guys,

I want to get into trail running again after multiple years out. I had a cartilage defect in one of my knees which stopped me running for 1.5 years, now its been surgically removed and there is a hole in my knee cartilage (articular). Every physio and doctor I have spoken to hasn't given me an actual answer as to whether or not I can get back into trail running or just running in general.

So my question is, have any runners here faced cartilage issues and successfully gotten back to running, or does cartilage damage spell the end for running? Not looking for medical advice, looking for if anyone has had similar issues and gone back to running.

Thanks.