Experimental and Clinical Aspects of Transplantation of Entire Hyaline Cartilage Surfaces*

ABSTRACT: Experiments were conducted on the storage of hyaline cartilage, and on the results of cartilage allografts implanted in dogs over a two‐year period. Rejection phenomena were minimal as long as joint function was resumed early and adverse mechanical factors were controlled. Parallel experiments on dogs confirmed the potential of hyaline cartilage for repair with a smooth fibrotic membrane. It proved impossible to preserve viable hyaline cartilage grafts for longer than a week. Articular surface transplantation was performed in a small group of patients. Results have been sufficiently encouraging to conclude that human articular surface allografts may still have a place in the management of certain disorders in which artificial joint replacement may not be feasible.