Transplantation of the Autogenous Chondrocyte Graft to Physeal Defects: An Experimental Study in Pigs

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the possibility of preventing bone bridge formation in damaged distal femoral physis using implantation of autogenous chondrocyte graft. Ten pigs were used in the study. In each pig, a sample of cartilage of 3 x 3 mm in diameter was taken from non-weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle and used to culture chondrocytes for the preparation of the autogenous chondrocyte graft. Fourteen days later, a canal of 4 mm diameter was drilled through the distal femoral physis in the area of the lateral condyle. This canal was then filled with the autogenous chondrocyte graft. The same defect, left unfilled, was created in the physis of the medial condyle. One animal succumbed during the transplantation of the chondrocyte graft due to complications of anaesthesia. Remaining 9 animals were euthanised and examined histologically with respect to the healing of the transplant in the area of the growth plate. In all 9 cases the graft was healed in the distal femoral physis. Bone bridges were formed in canals unfilled with the autogenous chondrocyte graft. We conclude that transplantation of the autogenous chondrocyte graft into iatrogenically damaged physis in pigs can prevent bone bridge formation and growth arrest. This finding may have clinical implications in potential transplantation of chondrocyte autografts in children.