Joint cartilage formation induced by silastic sheet spacer.
In an experimental study in rabbits the effect on articular cartilage regeneration from subchondral bone induced by a temporary interposed silicone rubber sheet has been analyzed. The normal articular cartilage of the medial condyle of the femur was resected and the subchondral bone surface covered by a 2 mm thick Silastic sheet which was removed after 2 months. At that time cartilaginous tissue of a hyalin appearance was found to cover the resected surface. As early as one month after removal of the sheet this cartilage showed obvious signs of degeneration and a few months later no regenerating cartilage was left. It is concluded that in this study there is no experimental evidence supporting the idea that temporary interposition of a silicone rubber sheet is beneficial in the treatment of degenerative arthritis.
D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D012038:Regeneration; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012826:Silicone Elastomers