Autologous Chondrocytes GrownIn Vitroon a Collagen Scaffold for Subsequent Articular Cartilage Repair

The surgical treatment of chondral lesions has evolved in the last few years by the use of methods that promote newformed hyaline cartilage. The implantation of autologous chondrocytes could develop methods that simplify surgical procedures and reduce invasiveness with subsequent advantages for patient rehabilitation. The introduction of threedimensional supports allowing a better cell distribution inside the implant has been shown as the most significant stage in the development of these methods. In this study, cartilage specimens were taken by arthroscopy from a nonweight-bearing area of the knee and cultured in vitro on a biocompatible scaffold that allows optinla1 growth and expansion of condrocytes. (The J Histotechnol 28:57, 2005)Submitted September 2, 2004; accepted with revisions April 6, 2005