Study of morphological changes in repairing articular cartilage defects with transplanting autologous free periosteum

OBJECTIVETo observe and analyze the process of morphological changes in repairing articular cartilage defects with transplanting autologous free periosteum.METHODSUsing the models of 6.0mm×3.0mm of full thickness of articular cartilage defects on the patellar surface of femur established in 18 cases of knee joint of Chinese rabbits,the autologous free periosteum was transplanted into the facies medialis tibiae,and the morphological changes were observed in repairing articular cartilage defects with transplanting autologous free periosteum on the patellar surface of the femur by microscope and image analysis.RESULTSDistinct cartilage hollows and homologous cell mass were revealed when 4 weeks after operation.The characteristics similar with normal hyaline cartilage were revealed by decreasing of cell density and increasing of cell matrix when 12 weeks after operation in the transplanting group of autologous free periosteum.There were significant differences between the transplanting group of autologgous free periosteum and control group on the single cartilage cell area when 4 weeks,8 weeks and 12 weeks after operation respectively.CONCLUSIONThe transplantation of autologous free periosteum could repair articular cartilage defect,and its course can be devided into three periods,including cell differentiation and proliferation,formation of immature cartilage and the cartilage transformation and shaping.