Long-term results of superficial defects in articular cartilage: a scanning electron-microscope study.
Superficial defects produced in rabbit articular cartilage were studied with the scanning electron microscope over a period of 2 yr. It would appear that at first a new layer of matrix forms on the injured surface but that this is abraded away by joint movement so that even after 2 yr the defect does not heal. In some instances the general articular surface developed superficial fissures, deep ravines, and foci of fibrillation.
D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011817:Rabbits; D014945:Wound Healing