Osteochondral defects often necessitate knee replacements. New research at Texas A&M aims to develop synthetic cartilage-capped plugs as a less invasive alternative, suitable for a broader range of patients. This technology, supported by a significant grant, promises immediate joint support and long-term integration, with upcoming pre-clinical studies to validate its effectiveness. A synthetic cartilage-capped regenerative osteochondral plug being implanted into a knee.
Osteochondral defects can lead to damage in both cartilage and the underlying bone, resulting in chronic pain and impaired joint function. Depending on the severity of the damage, affected individuals may require surgical intervention, with the most comprehensive option being a total knee replacement—a procedure that over 800,000 Americans receive annually.
Autografting requires small cylindrical specimens to be harvested from the non-damaged part of the patient’s knee and transferred into pre-drilled holes in the defect area. However, this method can be hindered by the patient’s age and the size of the defect. In contrast, the proposed CC-ROPs are not restricted by age or the size of the defect while offering several other benefits. Firstly, they were designed to have the geometry of cylindrical autografts so they could be implanted with existing surgical tools and protocols. Additionally, it does not require pre-loading with cells or growth factors to induce healing, but instead leverages the unique features of the cap and scaffold base.
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