Abstract
BackgroundThis study sought to prepare a new PVA/n-HA/PA66 composite to investigate the repair of articular cartilage and subchondral defects in rabbit knee joints.MethodsA 5 × 5 × 5 mm-sized defect was created in the patellofemoral joints of 72 healthy adult New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were then randomly divided into three groups (n = 24): PVA/n-HA+PA66 group, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) group, and control (untreated) group. Cylindrical PVA/n-HA+PA66, 5 × 5 mm, comprised an upper PVA layer and a lower n-HA+PA66 layer. Macroscopic and histological evaluations were performed at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, postoperatively. Type II collagen was measured by immunohistochemical staining. The implant/cartilage and bone interfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy.ResultsAt 24 weeks postoperatively, the lower PVA/n-HA+PA66 layer became surrounded by cartilage, with no obvious degeneration. In the PVA group, an enlarged space was observed between the implant and the host tissue that had undergone degeneration. In the control group, the articular cartilage had become calcified. In the PVA/n-HA+PA66 group, positive type II collagen staining was observed between the composite and the surrounding cartilage and on the implant surface. In the PVA group, positive staining was slightly increased between the PVA and the surrounding cartilage, but reduced on the PVA surface. In the control group, reduced staining was observed throughout. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased bone tissue in the lower n-HA+PA66 layer that was in close approximation with the upper PVA layer of the composite. In the PVA group, the bone tissue around the material had receded, and in the control group, the defect was filled with bone tissue, while the superior aspect of the defect was filled with disordered, fibrous tissue.ConclusionThe diphase biological composite material PVA/n-HA+PA66 exhibits good histocompatibility and offers a satisfactory substitute for articular cartilage and subchondral bone.
Highlights
This study sought to prepare a new polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/n-HA/polyamide 66 (PA66) composite to investigate the repair of articular cartilage and subchondral defects in rabbit knee joints
Adult articular cartilage has a limited reparatory capability; that is, it can partially or totally repair itself when the defect diameter is less than 3 mm but not when the diameter exceeds 3 mm, in which case it will develop into arthritis [3]
The composite n-HA+PA66 consisted of a uniform crystal structure, with firm bonds to polyamide (Fig. 1)
Summary
This study sought to prepare a new PVA/n-HA/PA66 composite to investigate the repair of articular cartilage and subchondral defects in rabbit knee joints. Trauma and osteoarthritis are the two factors that can lead to articular surface defects, which eventually develop into joint dysfunction. Adult articular cartilage has a limited reparatory capability; that is, it can partially or totally repair itself when the defect diameter is less than 3 mm but not when the diameter exceeds 3 mm, in which case it will develop into arthritis [3]. Joint replacement is not ideal for young and middleaged patients because the joint implant has a limited life expectancy. For this reason, an effective method for repairing articular cartilage defects is an emergent issue in the field of orthopedics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
