O2181 RECONSTRUCTION OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE BY MEANS OF BIODEGRADABLE SCAFFOLDS

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of collagen scaffold in the reconstruction of articular cartilage. Methods: 28 rabbits was used in the study. A defect penetrating into the subchondral bone was made. The animals were divided into 2 groups according to the procedure: group I consisted of rabbits with defects þlled with collagen scaffold, in group II the defects remained empty. The results were observed after 4 and 12 weeks macroscopically and microscopically (modif. OñDriscoll scale). Results: Total þlloing of the defect with regenerated tissue was revealed, with smooth surface and good integration with the surrounding cartilage in 1st group. In 2nd group the surface of the newly formed tissue was irregular, defect was partially þlled and incompletely integrated with cartilage. Hyaline-like cartilage dominated on microscopic examination of the 1st group the (2±0.8). In the 2nd group regenerating tissue was mostly þbrous (1.5±0.8). Signs of degeneration were more signiþcant in 2nd group (0.7±0.7) when compared to 1st group (1.6±0.8). However they deteriorated over time in both groups with loss of structural integrity and integration with sourounding cartilage. The main adventage of scaffold application was better þlling of cartilage defect (1.6±0.8 vs. 1±0.6). Possibly incorporation of chondrogenic cells into defect would improve cellular integrity and properties of regenerating tissue. Conclusion: This study showed better results of reconstruction of articular cartilage by means of biodegradable scaffold.