Knee joint transplantation combined with surgical angiogenesis in rabbits-A new experimental model

Thomas Kremer, Guilherme Giusti, Patricia F. Friedrich, Wouter Willems, Allen T. Bishop, Goetz A. Giessler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: We have previously described a means to maintain bone allotransplant viability, without long-term immune modulation, replacing allogenic bone vasculature with autogenous vessels. A rabbit model for whole knee joint transplantation was developed and tested using the same methodology, initially as an autotransplant. Materials/Methods: Knee joints of eight New Zealand White rabbits were elevated on a popliteal vessel pedicle to evaluate limb viability in a nonsurvival study. Ten additional joints were elevated and replaced orthotopically in a fashion identical to allotransplantation, obviating only microsurgical repairs and immunosuppression. A superficial inferior epigastric facial (SIEF) flap and a saphenous arteriovenous (AV) bundle were introduced into the femur and tibia respectively, generating a neoangiogenic bone circulation. In allogenic transplantation, this step maintains viability after cessation of immunosuppression. Sixteen weeks later, X-rays, microangiography, histology, histomorphometry, and biomechanical analysis were performed. Results: Limb viability was preserved in the initial eight animals. Both soft tissue and bone healing occurred in 10 orthotopic transplants. Surgical angiogenesis from the SIEF flap and AV bundle was always present. Bone and joint viability was maintained, with demonstrable new bone formation. Bone strength was less than the opposite side. Arthrosis and joint contractures were frequent. Conclusion: We have developed a rabbit knee joint model and evaluation methods suitable for subsequent studies of whole joint allotransplantation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)118-127
Number of pages10
JournalMicrosurgery
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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