CHONDROGENESIS

Abstract

Articular cmtilage is a remarkable tissue. It tolerates a wide range of loads, from continuous to intermittent to sudden impact. It does this by a sophisticated mechanism based on its microscopic structure.

It is the m intenance of the structural properties of the solid phase:

- The collagen fibrils.

- Proteoglycans.

- Gylcoproteins.

Those determine its longevity.

This stringent structural requirement, along with the inherent limitations of articular cartilage to repair itself, are the reason that it has '"-• been so difficult to cultivate the correct environment for healing of articular cartilage lesions.

The i ability of cartilage to repair it self to any significant degree has been extensively studied and repeated by numerous investigators beginning with Hippoca1tes.

Compared to many other tissues, the chondrocyte to matrix ratio, mitotic activity, and turnover rate are very low. With age, the potential for spontaneous repair decreases further.

Surgeons and scientists have developed various approaches to restore cartilaginous articular surface with the intention of relieving pain and improving mobility for people with traumatic or degenerative damage to their synovial joints.