Articular cartilage resurfacing using synthetic resorbable scaffolds

Abstract

Cartilage repair is a challenging clinical problem because once adult cartilage sustains damage, whether traumatic or pathological, an irreversible, degenerative process can occur (1). The resulting defects may lead to osteoarthritis (2-4). Attempts to repair articular cartilage have included implantation of artificial matrices, growth factors, perichondrium, periosteum, and transplanted cells (5), but to date no reliable, reproducible approach has been identified. Furthermore, repair tissue frequently lacks the physical structure and mechanical properties necessary to ensure long-term efficacy (6). It is reasonable to hypothesize that the inferior mechanical properties of the repair tissue are partially caused by inadequate support during healing. © 2007 Humana Press Inc.