[Biomaterials in articular cartilage lesions repair]

Osteoarthritic symptoms following articular cartilage injuries are the most common musculoskeletal system disease. The treatment possibilities search for methods to restore and bring back the function of injured joint surfaces. Recent trend heads for creation of biocompatible matrices (scaffolds) based on natural and synthetic polimers. This study presents currently used biomaterials in the sphere of their usefulness in articular cartilage lesions repair. Both natural and synthetic materials have been researched in experimental and clinical studies. Naturally- derived protein polymers, such as collagen, fibrin, gelatin and carbohydrate polymers containing polylactide and polyglycolic acid, hialuronan, agarose, alginate, chitosan can be distinguished. Synthetic materials are represented by carbon fibers, Dacron and Teflon matrices. Scaffolds fabrication techniques include fiber-bonding, particulate leaching, freeze- drying and particles aggregation. Due to different polymers' properties selection of a scaffold depends on an appropriate matrix parameters. The most valuable characteristics are biocompatibility, porosity, mechanical resistance and bioabsorbability. Notwithstanding, several experimental and clinical studies there still exists the need for one simple and inexpensive polymer- based method that would bring satisfactory results in the area of joint cartilage repair.