[Value of autologous chondrocyte transplantation in experimental cartilage defects reconstruction. Part II: Microscopic analysis of reconstructed cartilage structural integrity and surface regularity].
Experimental and clinical tests proved that cultured, autologous chondrocytes retain their properties and have ability to reconstruct hyaline-like cartilage, which represents chemical composition and biomechanical characteristics similar to normal hyaline cartilage. The aim of this part of the study was microscopic evaluation of repair tissue structural integrity and surface regularity after autologous chondrocyte transplantation.


METHODS
Repair of partial thickness cartilage defect (ICRS III(o) grade) on distal femur joint surface was evaluated (25 adolescent rabbits). Procedures were performed in two groups: I--autologous chondrocyte transplantation under periosteal flap, II--periosteal graft. Chondrocytes were isolated from the cartilage specimens by enzymatic digestion and cultured in vitro. The follow-up periods were established at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Repair tissue was evaluated microscopically according to modified O'Driscoll scale.


RESULTS
In group I, 4 weeks after the procedure surface of the reconstructed tissue was irregular. 8- and 12-week observation found the surface regular and plain, and repair tissue exhibited complete structural integrity. In group II, in all follow-up periods regenerate surface was irregular, there was many fissures and cracks in graft tissue, and in several cases--regenerate disintegration.


CONCLUSIONS
Obtained results indicate, that hyaline-like cartilage reconstructed after autologous chondrocyte transplantation was characterized by regular, plain surface and complete structural integrity.
Klinika Ortopedii, Akademia Medyczna im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu.
Tomasz
T
Trzeciak
Jacek
J
Kruczyński
Jacek
J
Jaroszewski
Przemysław
P
Lubiatowski
Tomasz
T
Piontek
Barbara
B
Kaszuba
D000818:Animals; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D010521:Periosteum / Q000637:transplantation*; D011817:Rabbits; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome