Aims. The present study investigates the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel without adjunct to induce cartilage regeneration in large osteochondral defects in a rabbit model. Methods. A bilateral osteochondral defect was created in the femoral trochlear groove of 14 New Zealand white rabbits. The right knees were filled with PRP gel and the contralateral knees remained untreated and served as control sides. Some animals were killed at week 3 and others at week 12 postoperatively. The joints were harvested and assessed by Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) MRI scoring system, and examined using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) macroscopic and ICRS histological scoring systems. Additionally, the collagen type II content was evaluated by the immunohistochemical staining. Results. After 12 weeks post-surgery, the defects of the PRP group were repaired by hyaline cartilage-like tissue. However, incomplete cartilage regeneration was observed in the PRP group for three weeks. The control groups showed fibrocartilaginous or fibrous tissue, respectively, at each timepoint. Conclusion. Our study proved that the use of PRP gel without any adjuncts could successfully produce a good healing response and resurface the osteochondral defect with a better quality of cartilage in a rabbit model. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(3):192–202

Aims. The purpose of this study was to explore a simple and effective method of preparing human acellular amniotic membrane (HAAM) scaffolds, and explore the effect of HAAM scaffolds with juvenile cartilage fragments (JCFs) on osteochondral defects. Methods. HAAM scaffolds were constructed via trypsinization from fresh human amniotic membrane (HAM). The characteristics of the HAAM scaffolds were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, picrosirius red staining, type II collagen immunostaining, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) were isolated, and stemness was verified by multilineage differentiation. Then, third-generation (P3) hAMSCs were seeded on the HAAM scaffolds, and phalloidin staining and SEM were used to detect the growth of hAMSCs on the HAAM scaffolds. Osteochondral defects (diameter: 3.5 mm; depth: 3 mm) were created in the right patellar grooves of 20 New Zealand White rabbits. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (n = 5), the HAAM scaffolds group (n = 5), the JCFs group (n = 5), and the HAAM + JCFs group (n = 5). Macroscopic and histological assessments of the regenerated tissue were evaluated to validate the treatment results at 12 weeks. Results. In vitro, the HAAM scaffolds had a network structure and possessed abundant collagen. The HAAM scaffolds had good cytocompatibility, and hAMSCs grew well on the HAAM scaffolds. In vivo, the macroscopic scores of the HAAM + JCFs group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. In addition, histological assessments demonstrated that large amounts of hyaline-like cartilage formed in the osteochondral defects in the HAAM + JCFs group. Integration with surrounding normal cartilage and regeneration of subchondral bone in the HAAM + JCFs group were better than those in the other groups. Conclusion. HAAM scaffolds combined with JCFs promote the regenerative repair of osteochondral defects. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(6):349–361

Aims. To systematically review the predominant complication rates and changes to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for shoulder instability. Methods. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO, involved a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Key search terms included “allograft”, “shoulder”, “humerus”, and “glenoid”. The review encompassed 37 studies with 456 patients, focusing on primary outcomes like failure rates and secondary outcomes such as PROMs and functional test results. Results. A meta-analysis of primary outcomes across 17 studies revealed a dislocation rate of 5.1% and an increase in reoperation rates from 9.3% to 13.7% post-publication bias adjustment. There was also a noted rise in conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty and incidence of osteoarthritis/osteonecrosis over longer follow-up periods. Patient-reported outcomes and functional tests generally showed improvement, albeit with notable variability across studies. A concerning observation was the consistent presence of allograft resorption, with rates ranging from 33% to 80%. Comparative studies highlighted similar efficacy between distal tibial allografts and Latarjet procedures in most respects, with some differences in specific tests. Conclusion. OCA transplantation presents a promising treatment option for shoulder instability, effectively addressing both glenoid and humeral head defects with favourable patient-reported outcomes. These findings advocate for the inclusion of OCA transplantation in treatment protocols for shoulder instability, while also emphasizing the need for further high-quality, long-term research to better understand the procedure’s efficacy profile. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(7):570–580

Aims. Minimally manipulated cells, such as autologous bone marrow concentrates (BMC), have been investigated in orthopaedics as both a primary therapeutic and augmentation to existing restoration procedures. However, the efficacy of BMC in combination with tissue engineering is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the addition of BMC to an osteochondral scaffold is safe and can improve the repair of large osteochondral defects when compared to the scaffold alone. Methods. The ovine femoral condyle model was used. Bone marrow was aspirated, concentrated, and used intraoperatively with a collagen/hydroxyapatite scaffold to fill the osteochondral defects (n = 6). Tissue regeneration was then assessed versus the scaffold-only group (n = 6). Histological staining of cartilage with alcian blue and safranin-O, changes in chondrogenic gene expression, microCT, peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT), and force-plate gait analyses were performed. Lymph nodes and blood were analyzed for safety. Results. The results six months postoperatively showed that there were no significant differences in bone regrowth and mineral density between BMC-treated animals and controls. A significant upregulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) for types I and II collagens in the BMC group was observed, but there were no differences in the formation of hyaline-like cartilage between the groups. A trend towards reduced sulphated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) breakdown was detected in the BMC group but this was not statistically significant. Functional weightbearing was not affected by the inclusion of BMC. Conclusion. Our results indicated that the addition of BMC to scaffold is safe and has some potentially beneficial effects on osteochondral-tissue regeneration, but not on the functional endpoint of orthopaedic interest. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):677–689

Aims. Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are a common cause of disability and chronic ankle pain. Many operative treatment strategies have been introduced; however, they have their own disadvantages. Recently lesion repair using autologous cartilage chip has emerged therefore we investigated the efficacy of particulated autologous cartilage transplantation (PACT) in OLT. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 32 consecutive symptomatic patients with OLT who underwent PACT with minimum one-year follow-up. Standard preoperative radiography and MRI were performed for all patients. Follow-up second-look arthroscopy or MRI was performed with patient consent approximately one-year postoperatively. Magnetic resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score and International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades were used to evaluate the quality of the regenerated cartilage. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Foot Ankle Outcome Scale (FAOS). Results. All patients had ICRS grade IV cartilage lesions, except for one (ICRS grade III). The paired MOCART scores significantly improved from 42.5 (SD 1.53) to 63.5 (SD 22.60) (p = 0.025) in ten patients. Seven patients agreed to undergo second-look arthroscopy; 5 patients had grade I (normal) ICRS scores and two patients had grade II (nearly normal) ICRS scores. VAS, FFI, and all subscales of FAOS were significantly improved postoperatively (p ≤ 0.003). Conclusion. PACT significantly improved the clinical, radiological, and morphological outcomes of OLT. We consider this to be a safe and effective surgical method based on the short-term clinical results of this study. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):942–947

Objectives. In this study, we compared the pain behaviour and osteoarthritis (OA) progression between anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) and osteochondral injury in surgically-induced OA rat models. Methods. OA was induced in the knee joints of male Wistar rats using transection of the ACL or induction of osteochondral injury. Changes in the percentage of high limb weight distribution (%HLWD) on the operated hind limb were used to determine the pain behaviour in these models. The development of OA was assessed and compared using a histological evaluation based on the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) cartilage OA histopathology score. Results. Both models showed an increase in joint pain as indicated by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the values of %HLWD at one week post-surgery. In the osteochondral injury model, the %HLWD returned to normal within three weeks, while in the ACLT model, a significant decrease in the %HLWD was persistent over an eight-week period. In addition, OA progression was more advanced in the ACLT model than in the osteochondral injury model. Furthermore, the ACLT model exhibited a higher mean OA score than that of the osteochondral injury model at 12 weeks. Conclusion. The development of pain patterns in the ACLT and osteochondral injury models is different in that the OA progression was significant in the ACLT model. Although both can be used as models for a post-traumatic injury of the knee, the selection of appropriate models for OA in preclinical studies should be specified and relevant to the clinical scenario. Cite this article: T. Tawonsawatruk, O. Sriwatananukulkit, W. Himakhun, W. Hemstapat. Comparison of pain behaviour and osteoarthritis progression between anterior cruciate ligament transection and osteochondral injury in rat models. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:244–251. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.73.BJR-2017-0121.R2

Aims. To explore the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of osteochondral defect (OCD), and its effects on the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7 in terms of cartilage and bone regeneration. Methods. The OCD lesion was created on the trochlear groove of left articular cartilage of femur per rat (40 rats in total). The experimental groups were Sham, OCD, and ESWT (0.25 mJ/mm. 2. , 800 impulses, 4 Hz). The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment, and histopathological analysis, micro-CT scanning, and immunohistochemical staining were performed for the specimens. Results. In the histopathological analysis, the macro-morphological grading scale showed a significant increase, while the histological score and cartilage repair scale of ESWT exhibited a significant decrease compared to OCD at the 8- and 12-week timepoints. At the 12-week follow-up, ESWT exhibited a significant improvement in the volume of damaged bone compared to OCD. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a significant decrease in type I collagen and a significant increase in type II collagen within the newly formed hyaline cartilage following ESWT, compared to OCD. Finally, SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), aggrecan, and TGF-β, BMP-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7 were significantly higher in ESWT than in OCD at 12 weeks. Conclusion. ESWT promoted the effect of TGF-β/BMPs, thereby modulating the production of extracellular matrix proteins and transcription factor involved in the regeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone in an OCD rat model. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(7):342–352

Objectives. Osteochondral injuries, if not treated adequately, often lead to severe osteoarthritis. Possible treatment options include refixation of the fragment or replacement therapies such as Pridie drilling, microfracture or osteochondral grafts, all of which have certain disadvantages. Only refixation of the fragment can produce a smooth and resilient joint surface. The aim of this study was the evaluation of an ultrasound-activated bioresorbable pin for the refixation of osteochondral fragments under physiological conditions. Methods. In 16 Merino sheep, specific osteochondral fragments of the medial femoral condyle were produced and refixed with one of conventional bioresorbable pins, titanium screws or ultrasound-activated pins. Macro- and microscopic scoring was undertaken after three months. . Results. The healing ratio with ultrasound-activated pins was higher than with conventional pins. No negative heat effect on cartilage has been shown. Conclusion. As the material is bioresorbable, no further surgery is required to remove the implant. MRI imaging is not compromised, as it is with implanted screws. The use of bioresorbable pins using ultrasound is a promising technology for the refixation of osteochondral fractures

Aims

Arthroscopic microfracture is a conventional form of treatment for patients with osteochondritis of the talus, involving an area of < 1.5 cm². However, some patients have persistent pain and limitation of movement in the early postoperative period. No studies have investigated the combined treatment of microfracture and shortwave treatment in these patients. The aim of this prospective single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to compare the outcome in patients treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) and arthroscopic microfracture alone, in patients with ostechondritis of the talus.

Objectives. We sought to determine if a durable bilayer implant composed of trabecular metal with autologous periosteum on top would be suitable to reconstitute large osteochondral defects. This design would allow for secure implant fixation, subsequent integration and remodeling. Materials and Methods. Adult sheep were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 8/group): 1. trabecular metal/periosteal graft (TMPG), 2. trabecular metal (TM), 3. empty defect (ED). Cartilage and bone healing were assessed macroscopically, biochemically (type II collagen, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) content) and histologically. Results. At 16 weeks post-operatively, histological scores amongst treatment groups were not statistically different (TMPG: overall 12.7, cartilage 8.6, bone 4.1; TM: overall 14.2, cartilage 9.5, bone 4.9; ED: overall 13.6, cartilage 9.1, bone 4.5). Metal scaffolds were incorporated into the surrounding bone, both in TM and TMPG. The sGAG yield was lower in the neo-cartilage regions compared with the articular cartilage (AC) controls (TMPG 20.8/AC 39.5, TM 25.6/AC 33.3, ED 32.2/AC 40.2 µg sGAG/1 mg respectively), with statistical significance being achieved for the TMPG group (p < 0.05). Hypercellularity of the neo-cartilage was found in TM and ED, as the dsDNA content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with contralateral AC controls (TM 126.7/AC 71.1, ED 99.3/AC 62.8 ng dsDNA/1 mg). The highest type II collagen content was found in neo-cartilage after TM compared with TMPG and ED (TM 60%/TMPG 40%/ED 39%). Inter-treatment differences were not significant. Conclusions. TM is a highly suitable material for the reconstitution of osseous defects. TM enables excellent bony ingrowth and fast integration. However, combined with autologous periosteum, such a biocomposite failed to promote satisfactory neo-cartilage formation. Cite this article: E. H. Mrosek, H-W. Chung, J. S. Fitzsimmons, S. W. O’Driscoll, G. G. Reinholz, J. C. Schagemann. Porous tantalum biocomposites for osteochondral defect repair: A follow-up study in a sheep model. Bone Joint J 2016;5:403–411. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0070.R1

Objectives. The major problem with repair of an articular cartilage injury is the extensive difference in the structure and function of regenerated, compared with normal cartilage. Our work investigates the feasibility of repairing articular osteochondral defects in the canine knee joint using a composite lamellar scaffold of nano-ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP)/collagen (col) I and II with bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) and assesses its biological compatibility. Methods. The bone–cartilage scaffold was prepared as a laminated composite, using hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAP)/collagen I/copolymer of polylactic acid–hydroxyacetic acid as the bony scaffold, and sodium hyaluronate/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) as the cartilaginous scaffold. Ten-to 12-month-old hybrid canines were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. BMSCs were obtained from the iliac crest of each animal, and only those of the third generation were used in experiments. An articular osteochondral defect was created in the right knee of dogs in both groups. Those in the experimental group were treated by implanting the composites consisting of the lamellar scaffold of ß-TCP/col I/col II/BMSCs. Those in the control group were left untreated. Results. After 12 weeks of implantation, defects in the experimental group were filled with white semi-translucent tissue, protruding slightly over the peripheral cartilage surface. After 24 weeks, the defect space in the experimental group was filled with new cartilage tissues, finely integrated into surrounding normal cartilage. The lamellar scaffold of ß-TCP/col I/col II was gradually degraded and absorbed, while new cartilage tissue formed. In the control group, the defects were not repaired. Conclusion. This method can be used as a suitable scaffold material for the tissue-engineered repair of articular cartilage defects. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:56–64

Aims. Hyaline cartilage has a low capacity for regeneration. Untreated osteochondral lesions of the femoral head can lead to progressive and symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical and radiological long-term outcome of patients treated with osteochondral autograft transfer. To our knowledge, this study represents a series of osteochondral autograft transfer of the hip with the longest follow-up. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 11 hips in 11 patients who underwent osteochondral autograft transfer in our institution between 1996 and 2012. The mean age at the time of surgery was 28.6 years (8 to 45). Outcome measurement included standardized scores and conventional radiographs. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to determine the failure of the procedures, with conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) defined as the endpoint. Results. The mean follow-up of patients treated with osteochondral autograft transfer was 18.5 years (9.3 to 24.7). Six patients developed osteoarthritis and had a THA at a mean of 10.3 years (1.1 to 17.3). The cumulative survivorship of the native hips was 91% (95% confidence interval (CI) 74 to 100) at five years, 62% (95% CI 33 to 92) at ten years, and 37% (95% CI 6 to 70) at 20 years. Conclusion. This is the first study analyzing the long-term results of osteochondral autograft transfer of the femoral head. Although most patients underwent conversion to THA in the long term, over half of them survived more than ten years. Osteochondral autograft transfer could be a time-saving procedure for young patients with devastating hip conditions who have virtually no other surgical options. A larger series or a similar matched cohort would be necessary to confirm these results which, in view of the heterogeneity of our series, seems difficult to achieve. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):523–531

Aims. Cartilage injuries rarely heal spontaneously and often require surgical intervention, leading to the formation of biomechanically inferior fibrous tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effect of amelogenin on the healing process of a large osteochondral injury (OCI) in a rat model. Methods. A reproducible large OCI was created in the right leg femoral trochlea of 93 rats. The OCIs were treated with 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 μg/μl recombinant human amelogenin protein (rHAM. +. ) dissolved in propylene glycol alginate (PGA) carrier, or with PGA carrier alone. The degree of healing was evaluated 12 weeks after treatment by morphometric analysis and histological evaluation. Cell recruitment to the site of injury as well as the origin of the migrating cells were assessed four days after treatment with 0.5 μg/μl rHAM. +. using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results. A total of 12 weeks after treatment, 0.5 μg/μl rHAM. +. brought about significant repair of the subchondral bone and cartilage. Increased expression of proteoglycan and type II collagen and decreased expression of type I collagen were revealed at the surface of the defect, and an elevated level of type X collagen at the newly developed tide mark region. Conversely, the control group showed osteoarthritic alterations. Recruitment of cells expressing the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers CD105 and STRO-1, from adjacent bone marrow toward the OCI, was noted four days after treatment. Conclusion. We found that 0.5 μg/μl rHAM. +. induced in vivo healing of injured articular cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat model, preventing the destructive post-traumatic osteoarthritic changes seen in control OCIs, through paracrine recruitment of cells a few days after treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(10):615–623

Aims. This study aimed to define the histopathology of degenerated humeral head cartilage and synovial inflammation of the glenohumeral joint in patients with omarthrosis (OmA) and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Additionally, the potential of immunohistochemical tissue biomarkers in reflecting the degeneration status of humeral head cartilage was evaluated. Methods. Specimens of the humeral head and synovial tissue from 12 patients with OmA, seven patients with CTA, and four body donors were processed histologically for examination using different histopathological scores. Osteochondral sections were immunohistochemically stained for collagen type I, collagen type II, collagen neoepitope C1,2C, collagen type X, and osteocalcin, prior to semiquantitative analysis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 levels were analyzed in synovial fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Cartilage degeneration of the humeral head was associated with the histological presentation of: 1) pannus overgrowing the cartilage surface; 2) pores in the subchondral bone plate; and 3) chondrocyte clusters in OmA patients. In contrast, hyperplasia of the synovial lining layer was revealed as a significant indicator of inflammatory processes predominantly in CTA. The abundancy of collagen I, collagen II, and the C1,2C neoepitope correlated significantly with the histopathological degeneration of humeral head cartilage. No evidence for differences in MMP levels between OmA and CTA patients was found. Conclusion. This study provides a comprehensive histological characterization of humeral cartilage and synovial tissue within the glenohumeral joint, both in normal and diseased states. It highlights synovitis and pannus formation as histopathological hallmarks of OmA and CTA, indicating their roles as drivers of joint inflammation and cartilage degradation, and as targets for therapeutic strategies such as rotator cuff reconstruction and synovectomy. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(10):596–610

Aims. Implantation of ultra-purified alginate (UPAL) gel is safe and effective in animal osteochondral defect models. This study aimed to examine the applicability of UPAL gel implantation to acellular therapy in humans with cartilage injury. Methods. A total of 12 patients (12 knees) with symptomatic, post-traumatic, full-thickness cartilage lesions (1.0 to 4.0 cm. 2. ) were included in this study. UPAL gel was implanted into chondral defects after performing bone marrow stimulation technique, and assessed for up to three years postoperatively. The primary outcomes were the feasibility and safety of the procedure. The secondary outcomes were self-assessed clinical scores, arthroscopic scores, tissue biopsies, and MRI-based estimations. Results. No obvious adverse events related to UPAL gel implantation were observed. Self-assessed clinical scores, including pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports activity, and quality of life, were improved significantly at three years after surgery. Defect filling was confirmed using second-look arthroscopy at 72 weeks. Significantly improved MRI scores were observed from 12 to 144 weeks postoperatively. Histological examination of biopsy specimens obtained at 72 weeks after implantation revealed an extracellular matrix rich in glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen in the reparative tissue. Histological assessment yielded a mean overall International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society II score of 69.1 points (SD 10.4; 50 to 80). Conclusion. This study provides evidence supporting the safety of acellular UPAL gel implantation in facilitating cartilage repair. Despite being a single-arm study, it demonstrated the efficacy of UPAL gel implantation, suggesting it is an easy-to-use, one-step method of cartilage tissue repair circumventing the need to harvest donor cells. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):880–887

Aims. Extracellular matrix (ECM) and its architecture have a vital role in articular cartilage (AC) structure and function. We hypothesized that a multi-layered chitosan-gelatin (CG) scaffold that resembles ECM, as well as native collagen architecture of AC, will achieve superior chondrogenesis and AC regeneration. We also compared its in vitro and in vivo outcomes with randomly aligned CG scaffold. Methods. Rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were differentiated into the chondrogenic lineage on scaffolds. Quality of in vitro regenerated cartilage was assessed by cell viability, growth, matrix synthesis, and differentiation. Bilateral osteochondral defects were created in 15 four-month-old male New Zealand white rabbits and segregated into three treatment groups with five in each. The groups were: 1) untreated and allogeneic chondrocytes; 2) multi-layered scaffold with and without cells; and 3) randomly aligned scaffold with and without cells. After four months of follow-up, the outcome was assessed using histology and immunostaining. Results. In vitro testing showed that the secreted ECM oriented itself along the fibre in multi-layered scaffolds. Both types of CG scaffolds supported cell viability, growth, and matrix synthesis. In vitro chondrogenesis on scaffold showed an around 400-fold increase in collagen type 2 (COL2A1) expression in both CG scaffolds, but the total glycosaminoglycan (GAG)/DNA deposition was 1.39-fold higher in the multi-layered scaffold than the randomly aligned scaffold. In vivo cartilage formation occurred in both multi-layered and randomly aligned scaffolds treated with and without cells, and was shown to be of hyaline phenotype on immunostaining. The defects treated with multi-layered + cells, however, showed significantly thicker cartilage formation than the randomly aligned scaffold. Conclusion. We demonstrated that MSCs loaded CG scaffold with multi-layered zonal architecture promoted superior hyaline AC regeneration. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(9):601–612

Objectives. Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, and thus have emerged as promising alternatives to chondrocytes in cell-based cartilage repair methods. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with platelet rich fibrin on osteochondral defect repair and articular cartilage regeneration in a canine model. Methods. Osteochondral defects were created on the medial femoral condyles of 12 adult male mixed breed dogs. They were either treated with stem cells seeded on platelet rich fibrin or left empty. Macroscopic and histological evaluation of the repair tissue was conducted after four, 16 and 24 weeks using the International Cartilage Repair Society macroscopic and the O’Driscoll histological grading systems. Results were reported as mean and standard deviation (. sd. ) and compared at different time points between the two groups using the Mann-Whitney U test, with a value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results. Higher cumulative macroscopic and histological scores were observed in stem cell treated defects throughout the study period with significant differences noted at four and 24 weeks (9.25, . sd. 0.5 vs 7.25, . sd. 0.95, and 10, . sd. 0.81 vs 7.5, . sd. 0.57; p < 0.05) and 16 weeks (16.5, . sd. 4.04 vs 11, . sd. 1.15; p < 0.05), respectively. Superior gross and histological characteristics were also observed in stem cell treated defects. Conclusion. The use of autologous culture expanded bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells on platelet rich fibrin is a novel method for articular cartilage regeneration. It is postulated that platelet rich fibrin creates a suitable environment for proliferation and differentiation of stem cells by releasing endogenous growth factors resulting in creation of a hyaline-like reparative tissue. Cite this article: D. Kazemi, K. Shams Asenjan, N. Dehdilani, H. Parsa. Canine articular cartilage regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells seeded on platelet rich fibrin: Macroscopic and histological assessments. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:98–107. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.62.BJR-2016-0188.R1

The treatment of osteochondral lesions and osteoarthritis remains an ongoing clinical challenge in orthopaedics. This review examines the current research in the fields of cartilage regeneration, osteochondral defect treatment, and biological joint resurfacing, and reports on the results of clinical and pre-clinical studies. We also report on novel treatment strategies and discuss their potential promise or pitfalls. Current focus involves the use of a scaffold providing mechanical support with the addition of chondrocytes or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or the use of cell homing to differentiate the organism’s own endogenous cell sources into cartilage. This method is usually performed with scaffolds that have been coated with a chemotactic agent or with structures that support the sustained release of growth factors or other chondroinductive agents. We also discuss unique methods and designs for cell homing and scaffold production, and improvements in biological joint resurfacing. There have been a number of exciting new studies and techniques developed that aim to repair or restore osteochondral lesions and to treat larger defects or the entire articular surface. The concept of a biological total joint replacement appears to have much potential. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:193–9

Aims

Orthopaedic surgery requires grafts with sufficient mechanical strength. For this purpose, decellularized tissue is an available option that lacks the complications of autologous tissue. However, it is not widely used in orthopaedic surgeries. This study investigated clinical trials of the use of decellularized tissue grafts in orthopaedic surgery.

Aims

Focal knee arthroplasty is an attractive alternative to knee arthroplasty for young patients because it allows preservation of a large amount of bone for potential revisions. However, the mechanical behaviour of cartilage has not yet been investigated because it is challenging to evaluate in vivo contact areas, pressure, and deformations from metal implants. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the contact pressure in the tibiofemoral joint with a focal knee arthroplasty using a finite element model.