Creating a Prelaminated Chondrocapsular Tissue Model in Composite Defect Reconstruction Accompanied by Cartilage Tissue Deficiency: An Experimental Study

Reconstruction of composite tissue defects, particularly those involving cartilage deficiency, remains highly challenging. This study aimed to develop a chondrocapsular tissue by prelaminating avascular cartilage with vascularized capsule tissue to enhance cartilage viability. Twenty-seven rats were divided into three groups. In Group 1, two silicone sheets were implanted around the femoral vessels to induce double-layer capsule formation, followed by insertion of autologous auricular cartilage between the layers. In Group 2, a single silicone sheet was used for capsule induction before cartilage implantation. Group 3 served as the control, with direct cartilage implantation. Vascularity and cartilage viability were assessed using histology and immunohistochemistry. Capsule formation occurred only in Groups 1 and 2. Group 2 demonstrated the highest chondrocyte viability, while Group 1 exhibited the strongest neovascularization. Immunohistochemistry (CD31, CD44, Col2A1) confirmed superior vascularity and chondrogenic activity in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3. Prelamination of cartilage with vascularized capsule tissue resulted in a viable, vascularized chondrocapsular construct. This model shows potential as a clinically applicable strategy for reconstructing composite tissue defects involving cartilage loss.