[Transplantation of chondrogenic tissue in the treatment of lesions of of the articular cartilage].

The problem in the treatment of deep hyalin cartilage defects is due to the minimal regeneration potential of this specific tissue. Several attempts were made to solve this difficulties experimentally and clinically. The proliferative potential of autogenous perichondrium/periost is well-known for decades. Perichondrium can be harvested from the lower ribs near to the sternum and periost from the adjacent bone (mostly proximal tibia). Experimentally and clinically, it has been shown that both types of tissue bear the potential to form hyalin-like cartilage under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Furthermore, regarding the biomechanical data (shear modulus) and the biochemical data (content of type II collagen) the newly grown tissue resembles normal hyalin cartilage. In addition, it has been shown that the transplant fixation with fibrin glue is sufficient in order to allow early postoperative treatment with continuous passive motion which is known to stimulate cartilaginuous regeneration. Despite the satisfying experimental and clinical results further examinations are needed in order to evaluate the optimal surgical technique and postoperative regimen regarding the CPM-criteria. In addition, application of growth-factor might further improve this biological kind of treatment which has to be analysed.