Viability of crushed and diced cartilage grafts wrapped in oxidized regenerated cellulose and esterified hyaluronic acid: an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate the viability of diced/crushed cartilage grafts wrapped in esterified hyaluronic acid (HYAFF) and oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel) with respect to macroscopic and microscopic parameters.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
A total of 10 New Zealand rabbits were acquired for the study. Cartilage grafts were harvested from both ears, with the ventral and dorsal perichondrial layers dissected off. There were six comparison groups in this experimental study: 1) bare, diced cartilage, 2) diced cartilage wrapped in Surgicel, 3) diced cartilage wrapped in HYAFF, 4) bare, crushed cartilage, 5) crushed cartilage wrapped in Surgicel, 6) crushed cartilage wrapped in HYAFF. Six cartilage grafts were inserted into the six subcutaneous pockets of the same animal. All the rabbits were sacrificed at the end of 2 months, the samples were collected, and the total specimen was examined histopathologically. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome stain and examined under light microscopy.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference among the bare, diced cartilage, the Surgicel, and the HYAFF groups with respect to fibrosis, chronic inflammation, cartilage mass, and vascularization. A significant difference was observed among the bare, crushed cartilage, Surgicel, and HYAFF groups with respect to fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and cartilage mass. There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding vascularization.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that wrapping cartilage grafts with Surgicel grossly reduces cartilage viability and the regeneration potential of the chondrocytes, leading to fibrosis formation. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid promotes cartilage integrity and survival, thus increasing clinical predictability and avoiding the need for overcorrection.
Kazikdas
Kadir Cagdas
KC
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ankara Military Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. ckazikdas@gmail.com
Ergur
Bekir
B
Tugyan
Kazim
K
Guneli
Ensari
E
Kaya
Durdane
D
Sahan
Murat
M
D000818:Animals; D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005205:Fascia / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011817:Rabbits; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D012107:Research Design; D014022:Tissue Survival / Q000502:physiology*
D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; C086359:hyaluronic acid ethyl ester; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid