[Healing of chondral fragments]

Basing on encouraging results with the fixation of pure articular cartilage with the fibrin sealant in animal experiments, pure cartilage fragments were replanted in human patients using fibrin sealant. From individual cases biopsies could be taken from macroscopically not well healed areas during arthroscopic examination. The histological results from these cases are presented together with overall clinical experiences. Six weeks after operation one side of the graft showed no union with the subchondral bone and was also separated from the cartilage bed. However, after three and six months, the grafted cartilage had fused with subchondral bone, but pannus-like tissue was covering the surface and filling the cleft at the border to the bed. After one and five years, complete fusion with the subchondral bone and the surrounding cartilage can be demonstrated. There is always covering pannus at the larger observation times. In the majority of the 48 cases treated so far excellent clinical results were obtained, enabling the patients to take up their sporting activities again.