Cartilage has limited repair
capabilities, because chondrocytes (cells) are bound in
lacunae (cavity), they cannot migrate to damaged areas.
Therefore if damaged, it is difficult to heal. Also, because
hyaline cartilage does not have a blood supply, the deposition
of new matrix is slow. Damaged hyaline cartilage is usually
replaced by fibrocartilage scar tissue. Over the last
years, surgeons and scientist have elaborated a series
of cartilage repair procedures that help to postpone the
need for joint replacement.
Bioengineering techniques have been developing since the
last ten years world wide, to generate or create new cartilage.
Using a cellular "scaffolding" material called
matrix and cultured stem cellschondrocytes. Bioengineers
were able to grow articular cartilage chondrocytes in
a specific sterile laboratory (in vitro, cellular culture).
Ounce the cartilagechondrocyte graft is ready, it is sent
to your hospital to be implanted. This technique is called
ACI (autologous chondrocyte implantation) very expensive
approach.
BioTissue a leading company in the field of biological
products for orthopaedics. Extensive research and development
activities have now brought forth another innovative product
for the management of cartilage defects. chondrotissue®
a matrix (scaffold) is used to induce hemostasis and protect
the underlying tissue in degenerative and traumatic lesions
of articular cartilage.
