Development of a biologic prosthetic composite for cartilage repair

Rodrigo M. Mardones, Gregory G. Reinholz, James S. Fitzsimmons, Mark E. Zobitz, Kai Nan An, David G. Lewallen, Michael J. Yaszemski, Shawn W. O'Driscoll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

At present there is no satisfactory treatment for deep osteochondral defects. Here we report the development of a biologic prosthetic composite containing periosteum from 2-month-old rabbits and a porous tantalum scaffold. When cultured under chondrogenic conditions, the composites form a robust hyaline-like cartilage outgrowth that is attached to the porous scaffold by fibrous tissue ingrowth. The mechanical properties of these composites are similar to those of normal osteochondral plugs after only 6 weeks in culture. Thus, porous tantalum scaffolds are compatible with the chondrogenic capacity of periosteum. We hypothesize that these periosteum-porous tantalum composites will be useful for the repair of major osteochondral defects. However, in vivo experiments using biological resurfacing of large osteochondral defects with a porous tantalum scaffold and autologous periosteal graft in animal models are necessary to further explore this possibility. The implications of a successful method for cartilage regeneration would be great in terms of the number of patients affected and the quality of life for each of those patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1368-1378
Number of pages11
JournalTissue Engineering
Volume11
Issue number9-10
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology

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