Biomechanical and Histological Evaluation of Osteochondral Transplantation in a Rabbit Model.

Autor: Ellis K. Nam, Alexandra, Mohsen Makhsous, Jason Koh, Alexandra, Mark Bowen, Alexandra, Gordon Nuber, Alexandra, Li-Qun Zhang
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Zdroj: American Journal of Sports Medicine; Mar2004, Vol. 32 Issue 2, p308-316, 9p
Abstrakt: Background: Biomechanical and histological properties of osteochondral transplantation have not been extensively examined. Hypothesis: Osteochondral grafts have properties similar to native articular cartilage. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A 2.7 mm (diameter) × 4.0 mm (depth) osteochondral defect was created in 17 New Zealand white rabbit knees. An osteochondral graft, harvested from the contralateral knee, was transplanted into the defect. Eight rabbits were sacrificed each at 6 and 8 weeks. Results: The 12-week grafts (1213.6 ± 309.0 N/mm) had significantly higher stiffness than the 6-week grafts (483.1 ± 229.1 N/mm; P < .001) and of normal cartilage (774.8 ± 117.1 N/mm; P < .003). Stiffness of the 6-week grafts was significantly lower than normal cartilage (P < .036). At all time points, full-thickness defects had significantly lower stiffness than normal cartilage (P < .001). Histologically, transplanted grafts scored significantly higher than the full-thickness defects (P < .001). The defects showed inconsistent, fibrocartilage healing. The grafts demonstrated cartilage viability, yet with a persistent cleft between the graft and host. Conclusions: Osteochondral transplants undergo increased stiffness in the short term, with evidence of structurally intact grafts. Clinical Relevance: Osteochondral transplantation may be a viable treatment option; however, long-term investigation on graft function is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index