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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Matrix-assisted Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for Remodeling and Repair of Chondral Defects in a Rabbit Model
Published on: May 21, 2013
Chondrocyte-based intraoperative processing strategies for the biological augmentation of a polyurethane meniscus
Srujana Vedicherla1,2, Sara Romanazzo1,2, Daniel J Kelly3,2,4
1a Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine , School of Medicine, Trinity College , Dublin , Ireland.
Abstract:
Purpose/aim of study: Menisectomies account for over 1.5 million surgical interventions in Europe annually, and there is a growing interest in regenerative strategies to improve outcomes in meniscal replacement. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the role of intraoperatively applied fresh chondrocyte (FC) isolates compared to minced cartilage (MC) fragments, used without cell isolation, to improve bioactivity and tissue integration when combined with a polyurethane replacement.
Materials And Methods:
First, to optimize the intraoperative cell isolation protocol, caprine articular cartilage biopsies were digested with 750 U/ml or 3000 U/ml collagenase type II (ratio of 10 ml per g of tissue) for 30 min, 1 h or 12 h with constant agitation and compared to culture-expanded chondrocytes in terms of matrix deposition when cultured on polyurethane scaffolds. Finally, FCs and MC-augmented polyurethane scaffolds were evaluated in a caprine meniscal explant model to assess the potential enhancements on tissue integration strength.
Results:
Adequate numbers of FCs were harvested using a 30 min chondrocyte isolation protocol and were found to demonstrate improved matrix deposition compared to standard culture-expanded cells in vitro. Upon evaluation in a meniscus explant defect model, both FCs and MC showed improved matrix deposition at the tissue-scaffold interface and enhanced push-out strength, fourfold and 2.5-fold, respectively, compared with the acellular implant.
Conclusions:
Herein, we have demonstrated a novel approach that could be applied intraoperatively, using FCs or MC for improved tissue integration with a polyurethane meniscal replacement.
