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Reimplantation of growth plate chondrocytes into growth plate defects in sheep
Author(s) -
Foster B. K.,
Hansen A. L.,
Gibson G. J.,
Hopwood J. J.,
Binns G. F.,
Wiebkin O. W.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.1100080412
Subject(s) - endochondral ossification , chondrocyte , cartilage , epiphysis , metaphysis , implant , calcification , anatomy , chemistry , andrology , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , medicine , pathology , surgery
Defects in growth plates due to trauma, infection, or genetic causes can result in bone formation across the defect, bridging the epiphysis and metaphysis, resulting in growth arrest and limb deformation. We have investigated the capacity of implanted chondrocyte cultures to prevent this process. Sheep growth plate chondrocytes were isolated, and after culture at high density produced easily manipulated cartilaginous disc. The tissue was implanted into growth plate defects produced in lambs and the response was assessed histologically. Following implantation, cultures continued to proliferate and maintain a cartilage‐like matrix. 8 to 12 weeks, hypertrophic maturation, chondrocyte columnation, and associated endochondral calcification were observed. Culture implantation was always associated with local immune inflammatory feaction, which continued throughout the course of investigation. Cellular survival was variable and resulted in the presence of viable implants as well as residual cartilage matrix devoid of chondrocytes; however, implanted chondrocyte discs always prevented bone bridge formation. These findings encourage the expectation that cultured chondrocytes may provide a useful replacement for the inert interpositional materials currently used in the treatment used in the treatment of growth arrest. The potential of this technique for growth plate replacement, however, requires a more predictable rate of implant survival. The likely reasons for implant loss are discussed.