3D CHONDROGRAFT: BONE DEFECT REPLACEMENT MATERIAL

Objective. To analyze histogenetic potencies of the 3D chondrograft for correction of artifactual vertebral body lesion. Material and Methods. Osteogenic potencies of the 3D chondrograft isolated from minipig primary cartilage were studied in canine experimental model of artificial vertebral body defect. Results. Tissue specificity of 3D chondrograft was confirmed by the presence of aggrecan, chondroitin sulfates, keratin sulfates, and type I and II collagen in cells and in the matrix, as well as by the expression of aggrecan, biglycan, and lumikan genes, and ultrastructural arrangement of cells and the matrix (chondrometabolic barrier). Transformation of chondrograft occupying the space of bone defect led to complete restoration of vertebral bone structure followed by the formation of organo-specific bone tissue. Restoration of bone tissue was promoted by chondrograft in the way of enhonral osteogenesis, both embryonic and regenerative. Conclusion. High reparative potencies of chondrograft suggest its feasibility in correction of pathologies caused by chondroosteogenesis disorders and dystrophic changes in the osteoarticular system.