Application of autologous chondrocytes suspension in fibrin glue for the treatment of cartilage defects of knee joint – preliminary report

Author(s): J. DEC, T. SZ. GAŹDZIK, H. BURSIG, A. WYSOCKA, S. DYLĄG, M. JĘDRYSIK, H. NOGA, P. SZYMIK

Ability of cartilage to reconstruction (regeneration) of damaged joint surface is limited, what favours formation of degenerative changes. The aim of that study was to elaborate the technique of collection, storage, multiplication and suspending in fibrin glue of chondrocytes, and then their grafting to places of cartilaginous losses in knee joint. Experiments of application of autologous suspension of chondrocytes in fibrin glue were carried out in two stages. In the firs one own technique of chondrocytes culturing and implanting was elaborated. The second stage included clinical application of autologous chondrocytes suspended in fibrin glue in treatment of losses of joint surfaces in knee joints. As a medium fibrin glue, which was obtained from own serum of a patient, was used. Thirty grafts of suspension of autologous chondrocytes in fibrin glue were performed in patients with cartilaginous losses within knee joint. Any side effects, that could testify to infection or graft rejection, do not appear in any patient after the manipulation. Decrease of pain ailments and improvement of life activity occurred in 12 patients six months after the manipulation. State of regenerate after 6 months from implantation of anterior cruciate ligament was estimated in case of 3 patients during its reconstruction; it completely filled damaged place an its structure was similar to hyaline cartilage.