[Value of autologous chondrocyte transplantation in the reconstruction of experimental cartilage defects. Part I. Extent of defect, macroscopic appearance of reconstructed articular surface and microscopic analysis of predominant tissue].

Articular cartilage defect is one of the main reasons of osteoarthritis. Currently, tissue engineering techniques are the methods concerning better cartilage reconstruction. The aim of this part of the study was macroscopic evaluation of degree of defect feeling, macroscopic appearance of repair tissue and microscopic analysis of predominant tissue after autologous chondrocytes transplantation. Repair of partial thickness cartilage defect on distal part of femur was evaluated (25 adolescent rabbits). Procedures were performed in II groups: I--autologous chondrocytes transplantation under periosteal flap, II--periosteal graft. Chondrocytes were isolated from the cartilage specimens by enzymatic digestion and cultured in vitro. The regenerates were inspected 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the operation. Macroscopic analysis in group I, in most cases revealed filling of the defect with tissue resembling surrounding cartilage. In group II the defect was partially filled, and there was many fissures and cracks in all regenerates. In microscopic analysis in group I, after 4 and 8 weeks following the transplantation the tissue similar to juvenile hyaline cartilage predominated. After 12 weeks it resembled mature hyaline cartilage. In group II, in all cases fibrous cartilage was observed after 4, 8, 12 weeks. Obtained results indicate, that macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of repair tissue after autologous chondrocytes transplantation more closely resembled hyaline cartilage, than in periosteal graft group. 12 weeks after autologous chondrocytes transplantation the repair tissue reached maturity, and demonstrated microscopic characteristics of hyaline-like cartilage. The method of autologous chondrocytes transplantation provides potential for clinical application.