[Filling of osteochondral donor site defects. Experimental study with tricalcium phosphate cement and BMP-2].
OBJECTIVE
Osteochondral grafting procedures have developed into one of the preferred methods of treatment for focal osteochondral lesions, although the management of the donor site remains problematic. In this animal study, an attempt at sealing the donor site with a fully-resorbable tricalcium phosphate bone cement was evaluated.


METHODS
Autologous osteochondral transplantation of the medial and lateral condyle was performed on the ovine knee using a standard operative protocol. The ensuing defect was filled with the original beta-TCP cement laterally, while medially the cement was augmented with 50 micro g BMP-2. Two groups, consisting of 10 sheep each, were evaluated after three and 6 months, respectively.


RESULTS
The clinical evaluation of the specimens revealed an improved reconstruction of the joint surface following the application of the augmented biomaterial. Macroscopically, the superficial border of the original donor site could easily be outlined at both time periods in both groups. Solid osteointegration of the bone cement could be documented radiographically as early as three months following implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
The beta-TCP bone cement represents a promising resorbable filler for osteochondral defects. The augmentation with BMP-2 seems to expedite the remodelling process and improve the surface reconstruction.
Siebert
C H
CH
Orthopädische Klinik der RWTH Aachen. chsiebert@orthopaedie-aachen.de
Miltner
O
O
Schneider
U
U
Weber
M
M
Wahner
T
T
Niedhart
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001843:Bone Cements; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005269:Femur / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012756:Sheep; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta
D001843:Bone Cements; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate; C018392:tricalcium phosphate
Füllung von Entnahmedefekten beim Knorpel-Knochen-Transfer. Experimenteller Ansatz mit beta-Trikalziumphosphat-Zement und BMP-2.