Equal cartilage repair response between autologous chondrocytes in a collagen scaffold and minced cartilage under a collagen scaffold: an in vivo study in goats.

Cell-free methods for cartilage tissue repair have recently gained increased focus. One method to supply a chondrogenic cell source is to apply freshly harvested cartilage tissue to the defects area and to retain the tissue for cell outgrowth. The present study aims to investigate the cartilage repair response of autologous cartilage chips or chondrocytes in combination with a collagen membrane in a goat femoral condyle full thickness cartilage defect model. Fully 16 defects in 8 adult goats were used for the study. A total of 6 mm full-thickness cartilage defects in the femoral condyles were randomized to collagen membrane matrix scaffold with chondrocytes and minced cartilage placed under collagen membrane scaffold. Animals were followed for 4 months. No difference was found in O'Driscoll and Pinada histology scores, tissue filling (35%), or repair tissue stiffness between the two groups. This animal study demonstrated no difference in cartilage repair between the two different techniques. The general tissue regeneration was limited probably due to the early time point of investigation and the challenging mechanical environment.