[Remodeling of the articular cartilage during the replacement of its defect by a biocomposite material]

The regenerative capacity of articular cartilage was studied in animals in which its defects were replaced by biocomposite materials based on polycaprolactone in combination with hydroxyapatite. Six specimens of the material were used, which consisted of different proportions of these polymers. In the experiment on sheep (n = 6) it was found that these biocomposite materials were replaced by hyaline-like cartilage during healing of artificially created defects in the articular cartilage of the knee joint, while the ratio of composite components had no effect on the quality of the regenerates formed. These results support the view of a possible application of biocomposite materials in the treatment of degenerative and traumatic lesions of hyaline cartilage.