Huge bone defects that occur as a result of severe trauma or bone and oft tissue tumor are frequently difficult to achieve adequate union. Autogenous or allogeneic bone grafting and reconstruction using biomaterials are the traditional method used to repair bone defects, but it is not easy to reconstruct the structure and strength. Articular cartilage has very limited intrinsic healing capacity. Although numerous attempts to repair full-thickness articular cartilage defects have been conducted, no methods have successfully regenerated long-lasting hyaline cartilage. One of the most promising procedures for bone and cartilage repair is tissue engineering. New techniques of cell therapy for the treatment of bone and cartilage lesions are currently developed. This paper will summarize the current concepts of cell therapy for bone and cartilage repair and its future application.