Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of cell-laden and cell-free collagen matrices in comparison to microfracture treatment applied to full-thickness chondral defects in an ovine model. Methods: Animals (n = 30) were randomized into 5 treatment groups, and 7-mm full-cartilage-thickness defects were set at the trochlea and medial condyle of both knee joints and treated as follows: 2 scaffolds in comparison (collagen I/III, Chondro-Gide ®; collagen II, Chondrocell ®) for covering microfractured defects (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis), both scaffolds colonized in vitro with autologous chondrocytes (matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation), or scaffold-free microfracture technique. One year after surgery, cartilage lesions were biomechanically (indentation test), histologically (O'Driscoll score), and immunohistochemically (collagen type I and II staining) evaluated. Results: All treatment groups of the animal model induced more repair tissue and showed better histological scores and biomechanical properties compared to controls. The average thickness of the repair tissue was significantly greater when a scaffold was used, especially the collagen I/III membrane. However, none of the index procedures surpassed the others from a biomechanical point of view or based on the histological scoring. Collagen type II expression was better in condylar defects compared to the trochlea, especially in those treated with collagen I/III membranes. Conclusion: Covering of defects with suitable matrices promotes repair tissue formation and is suggested to be a promising treatment option for cartilage defects. However, it failed to improve the biomechanical and histological properties of regenerated articular cartilage compared to microfracture alone in an ovine model under the given circumstances.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Cartilage |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 29-42 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISSN | 1947-6035 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 01.01.2010 |
Funding
In conclusion, the repair tissue’s origin and the role and fate of the implanted cells remain unanswered. However, we successfully demonstrated the principle of cartilage restoration with a cell-laden or cell-free scaffold. Covering of defects with suitable matrices promotes repair tissue formation and is suggested to be a promising treatment option for cartilage defects. However, it failed to improve the biomechanical and histological properties of regenerated articular cartilage compared with MF alone in an ovine model under the given circumstances. The authors gratefully acknowledge the skilled technical assistance of Ms. Petra Tiede, Ms. Rita Kirsch, and Dr. Sasha Sappan, MD. The authors declared no potential conflicts of interests with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article. This study was funded by Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland. None of the authors or coauthors has a financial interest in products relevant to the article.
