Effects of Micronized Cartilage Matrix on Cartilage Repair in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Abstract

Background The repair of osteochondral lesions remains a challenge due to its poor vascularity and limited healing potential. Micronized cartilage matrix (MCM) is dehydrated, decellularized, micronized allogeneic cartilage matrix that contains the components of native articular tissue and is hypothesized to serve as a scaffold for the formation of hyaline-like tissue. Our objective was to demonstrate in vitro that the use of MCM combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can lead to the formation of hyaline-like cartilage tissue in a single-stage treatment model. Design In group 1 (no wash), 250 µL MCM was reconstituted in 150 µL Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) for 5 minutes. Group 2 (saline wash) included 250 µL MCM washed in 20 mL DPBS for 30 minutes, then aspirated to remove all DPBS and reconstituted in 150 µL DPBS. Group 3 (serum wash): 250µL MCM washed in 20 mL DPBS for 30 minutes, then aspirated and reconstituted in 150 µL fetal bovine serum. Each group was then added to 50 µL solution of MSC suspended in DPBS at a concentration of 1.2 × 10 cells/350 µL. After 3 weeks, the defects were extracted and sectioned to perform viability and histologic analyses. Results Stem cells without rehydration of the MCM showed almost no viability whereas near complete cell viability was seen after rehydration with serum or saline solution, ultimately leading to chondrogenic differentiation and adhesion to the MCM particles. Conclusion We have shown in this proof-of-concept in vitro study that MCM can serve as a scaffold for the growth of cartilage tissue for the treatment of osteochondral lesions.

Arthroscopy and Micronized Allogenic Cartilage Matrix Grafting for a Missed Talus Nonunion

“…Currently, no human trials have been conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of micronized allogenic cartilage matrix grafting; however, studies using equine and porcine models have demonstrated the generation of hyaline-like cartilage in cartilaginous lesions after the use of micronized allogenic cartilage matrix 11,12 . Use of micronized cartilage matrix with the combination of cells described as mesenchymal stem cells has also been demonstrated to generate hyaline-like cartilage in vitro 13 .…”

Surgical treatment of a navicular osteochondral lesion using microionized cartilage matrix: A case report

“…In vitro studies published as recently as 2018 have demonstrated hyaline chondrogenesis and differentiation of chondrocytes using MCM after just 3 weeks when combined with mesenchymal stem cells. 28 Furthermore, some studies investigating the efficacy of MCM in osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint have shown good short-to intermediate-term results. Ahmad and Maltenfort reported their findings on 30 consecutive patients over a three-year span, including an average increase in Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scores from 51.4 to 89.3 and a decrease in Visual Analog Scale from 8.1 to 1.7 at final follow-up.…”

Nanohydroxyapatite Hydrogel Can Promote the Proliferation and Migration of Chondrocytes and Better Repair Talar Articular Cartilage

“…Articular cartilage, as the cartilage tissue covering the joint surface, is of great significance in reducing the load-bearing pressure, increasing the stress area, and lubricating the joint [ 2 ], so as to effectively protect the articular surface and maintain the normal movement of the joint. As the most frequently used joint in daily life and work, ankle joint should not only bear the heavy pressure of the body, but also bear the daily walking and movement [ 3 ]. As a result, articular cartilage of talus is easily damaged due to trauma, joint degradation, arthritis, and other reasons, resulting in rough joint surface, joint pain, and limited activity, which will seriously affect the life quality of patients.…”