Effect of a Collagen Membrane on Chondral Defect Repair: An Experimental Rat Study
M.S. Navarro, R.S. Alves, L.K. Lee, J.G.S.L. Roque, L.T. Okamura, M.A. SatoObjective:
To evaluate the histological response of articular cartilage after the use of a collagen membrane in the repair of chondral defects in an experimental rat model.
Methods:
Six adult Wistar rats underwent creation of a standardized chondral defect in the medial femoral condyle. The animals were divided into two groups: a control group, in which the defect was covered with sterile plastic fixed with fibrin glue, and a membrane group, in which a resorbable collagen membrane was applied and fixed with fibrin glue. After four weeks, the animals were euthanized, and the specimens were harvested for histological evaluation.
Results:
In the collagen membrane group, formation of cartilaginous tissue with histological features compatible with hyaline cartilage was observed, with chondroblasts distributed throughout the cartilaginous tissue and chondrocytes at different stages of maturation, including the presence of isogenous groups. In the control group, no formation of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage was observed, and only fibrous tissue was identified at the defect site.
Conclusion:
The use of a collagen membrane promoted the formation of cartilaginous tissue with histological characteristics compatible with hyaline cartilage in the repair of experimental chondral defects in rats.