Role of the Biomimetic Scaffolds in the Regeneration of Articular Tissue in Deep Osteochondral Defects in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

The ability of damaged articular cartilage to recover with normal hyaline cartilage is limited. Our aim was to study the mechanism of in vivo cartilage repair in case of severe osteochondral lesions using a three-dimensional matrix implanted without any preseeded cells in the osteochondral defect in a rabbit model. According to the ICRS scores from macroscopic observations of the femoral condyles, the average scores in the scaffold groups were higher than those in the control groups at every time (P[0.001). Histological examination of the ostheochondral defects, revealed regeneration of new tissue with hyaline-like cartilage features only in matrix groups. At twelve weeks from implantation, complete filling of the defect with hyaline cartilage with a tendency of mineralization and the absence of implant material is observed. The superficial area of the defect is completely covered with hyaline-like cartilage. The scaffold used leaded to the regeneration of articular tissue with an ordered histoarchitecture.