The effect of perichondrium on cartilage graft properties

The role of perichondrium in cartilage graft survival has been long debated. Although the innate function of perichondrium in providing mechanical and regenerative support to cartilage in its native position is relatively undisputed, studies continue to vacillate over how the perichondrium effects cartilage grafts once transplanted. This review evaluates historical and recent experiments showing how perichondrium may or may not impact graft survival.

Experimental studies in animal models have more recently evaluated macroscopic and microscopic properties of diced cartilage grafts with and without perichondrium, finding that in general grafted cartilage with perichondrial components retains greater weight and mechanical strength compared with cartilage without perichondrial components. However, these findings have not been replicated in humans. Solid pieces of rib cartilage have most recently been used without perichondrium to prevent warping, though no studies have evaluated whether retaining perichondrium with oblique and concentric cutting techniques may effect overall resorption.

Although historical opinions and more recent animal studies suggest a role of perichondrium in cartilage graft survival, randomized controlled human studies are still lacking on whether retaining perichondrium truly effects graft survival and ultimate surgical outcomes.