Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Effect of Osteochondral Regeneration Using Polymer Constructs and Continuous Passive Motion Therapy in the Lower Weight-Bearing Zone of Femoral Trocheal Groove in Rabbits

  • Published:
Annals of Biomedical Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Remedying patellofemoral osteochondral defects using clinical therapy remains challenging. Construct-based and cell-based regenerative medicine with in vitro physical stimuli has been progressively implemented. However, the effect of physical stimuli in situ in knee joints with degradable constructs is still not well-documented. Therefore, we studied whether it was practical to achieve articular cartilage repair using a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) construct in addition to early short-term continuous passive motion (CPM) for treatment of full-thickness osteochondral defects in the lower-weigh bearing (LWB) zone of the femoral trocheal groove. Twenty-six rabbits were randomly allocated into either intermittent active motion (IAM) or CPM treatment groups with or without PLGA constructs, termed PLGA construct-implanted (PCI) and empty defect knee models, respectively. Gross observation, histology, inflammatory cells, which were identified using H&E staining, total collagen and alignment, studied qualitatively using Masson’s trichrome staining, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), identified using Alcian blue staining, and newly formed bone, observed using micro-CT, were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Repair of osteochondral defects in the PCI-CPM group was more promising than all other groups. The better osteochondral defect repair in the PCI-CPM group corresponded to smooth cartilage surfaces, no inflammatory reaction, hyaline cartilaginous tissues composition, sound collagen alignment with positive collagen type II expression, higher GAG content, mature bone regeneration with osteocyte, clear tidemark formation, and better degradation of PLGA. In summary, the use of a simple PLGA construct coupled with passive motion promotes positive healing and may be a promising clinical intervention for osteochondral regeneration in LWB defects.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Arrigoni, E., S. Lopa, L. de Girolamo, D. Stanco, and A. T. Brini. Isolation, characterization and osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells: from small to large animal models. Cell Tissue Res. 338:401–411, 2009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Chang, N. J., Y. R. Jhung, N. Issariyakul, C. K. Yao, and M. L. Yeh. Synergistic stimuli by hydrodynamic pressure and hydrophilic coating on PLGA scaffolds for extracellular matrix synthesis of engineered cartilage. J Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed., 2011. doi:10.1163/092050611X092611648.

  3. Chang, N. J., C. C. Lin, C. F. Li, N. Issariyakul, and M. L. Yeh. The combined effects of continuous passive motion treatment and acellular PLGA implants on osteochondral regeneration in the rabbit. Biomaterials 33:3153–3163, 2012.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Chu, C. R., M. Szczodry, and S. Bruno. Animal models for cartilage regeneration and repair. Tissue Eng. B Rev. 16:105–115, 2010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Concaro, S., F. Gustavson, and P. Gatenholm. Bioreactors for tissue engineering of cartilage. Adv. Biochem. Eng. Biotechnol. 112:125–143, 2009.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Du Plessis, M., E. Eksteen, A. Jenneker, E. Kriel, C. Mentoor, T. Stucky, D. van Staden, and L. D. Morris. The effectiveness of continuous passive motion on range of motion, pain and muscle strength following rotator cuff repair: a systematic review. Clin. Rehabil. 25:291–302, 2011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Ferretti, M., A. Srinivasan, J. Deschner, R. Gassner, F. Baliko, N. Piesco, R. Salter, and S. Agarwal. Anti-inflammatory effects of continuous passive motion on meniscal fibrocartilage. J. Orthop. Res. 23:1165–1171, 2005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Grigolo, B., G. Lisignoli, G. Desando, C. Cavallo, E. Marconi, M. Tschon, G. Giavaresi, M. Fini, R. Giardino, and A. Facchini. Osteoarthritis treated with mesenchymal stem cells on hyaluronan-based scaffold in rabbit. Tissue Eng. C 15:647–658, 2009.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Haasper, C., J. Zeichen, R. Meister, C. Krettek, and M. Jagodzinski. Tissue engineering of osteochondral constructs in vitro using bioreactors. Injury 39(Suppl. 1):S66–S76, 2008.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Hinman, R. S., and K. M. Crossley. Patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis: an important subgroup of knee osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 46:1057–1062, 2007.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Howard, J. S., C. G. Mattacola, S. E. Romine, and C. Lattermann. Continuous Passive Motion, Early Weight Bearing, and Active Motion following Knee Articular Cartilage Repair. Cartilage 1:276–286, 2010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Hunter, D. J., W. Harvey, K. D. Gross, D. Felson, P. McCree, L. Li, K. Hirko, B. Zhang, and K. Bennell. A randomized trial of patellofemoral bracing for treatment of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 19:792–800, 2011.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Igarashi, T., N. Iwasaki, D. Kawamura, Y. Kasahara, Y. Tsukuda, N. Ohzawa, M. Ito, Y. Izumisawa, and A. Minami. Repair of articular cartilage defects with a novel injectable in situ forming material in a canine model. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. A 100:180–187, 2012.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Ikeda, R., H. Fujioka, I. Nagura, T. Kokubu, N. Toyokawa, A. Inui, T. Makino, H. Kaneko, M. Doita, and M. Kurosaka. The effect of porosity and mechanical property of a synthetic polymer scaffold on repair of osteochondral defects. Int. Orthop. 33:821–828, 2009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Im, G. I., H. J. Kim, and J. H. Lee. Chondrogenesis of adipose stem cells in a porous PLGA scaffold impregnated with plasmid DNA containing SOX trio (SOX-5,-6 and -9) genes. Biomaterials 32:4385–4392, 2011.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Jin, C. Z., J. H. Cho, B. H. Choi, L. M. Wang, M. S. Kim, S. R. Park, J. H. Yun, H. J. Oh, and B. H. Min. The maturity of tissue-engineered cartilage in vitro affects the repairability for osteochondral defect. Tissue Eng. A 17:3057–3065, 2011.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Kim, H. K., R. G. Kerr, T. F. Cruz, and R. B. Salter. Effects of continuous passive motion and immobilization on synovitis and cartilage degradation in antigen induced arthritis. J. Rheumatol. 22:1714–1721, 1995.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Kim, T. K., K. K. Park, S. W. Yoon, S. J. Kim, C. B. Chang, and S. C. Seong. Clinical value of regular passive ROM exercise by a physical therapist after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg. Sports Traumatol. Arthrosc. 17:1152–1158, 2009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Kocher, M. S., R. Tucker, T. J. Ganley, and J. M. Flynn. Management of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: current concepts review. Am. J. Sports Med. 34:1181–1191, 2006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Lu, L., S. J. Peter, M. D. Lyman, H. L. Lai, S. M. Leite, J. A. Tamada, S. Uyama, J. P. Vacanti, R. Langer, and A. G. Mikos. In vitro and in vivo degradation of porous poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) foams. Biomaterials 21:1837–1845, 2000.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Mano, J. F., and R. L. Reis. Osteochondral defects: present situation and tissue engineering approaches. J. Tissue Eng. Regen. Med. 1:261–273, 2007.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Martin, I., S. Miot, A. Barbero, M. Jakob, and D. Wendt. Osteochondral tissue engineering. J. Biomech. 40:750–765, 2007.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Martin-Hernandez, C., J. Cebamanos-Celma, A. Molina-Ros, J. J. Ballester-Jimenez, and J. Ballester-Soleda. Regenerated cartilage produced by autogenous periosteal grafts: a histologic and mechanical study in rabbits under the influence of continuous passive motion. Arthroscopy 26:76–83, 2010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. McWalter, E. J., D. J. Hunter, W. F. Harvey, P. McCree, K. A. Hirko, D. T. Felson, and D. R. Wilson. The effect of a patellar brace on three-dimensional patellar kinematics in patients with lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 19:801–808, 2011.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. O’Driscoll, S. W., and N. J. Giori. Continuous passive motion (CPM): Theory and principles of clinical application. J. Rehabil. Res. Dev. 37:179–188, 2000.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. O’Driscoll, S. W., F. W. Keeley, and R. B. Salter. Durability of regenerated articular cartilage produced by free autogenous periosteal grafts in major full-thickness defects in joint surfaces under the influence of continuous passive motion. A follow-up report at one year. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 70:595–606, 1988.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. O’Driscoll, S. W., and R. B. Salter. The induction of neochondrogenesis in free intra-articular periosteal autografts under the influence of continuous passive motion. An experimental investigation in the rabbit. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 66:1248–1257, 1984.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. O’Driscoll, S. W., and R. B. Salter. The repair of major osteochondral defects in joint surfaces by neochondrogenesis with autogenous osteoperiosteal grafts stimulated by continuous passive motion. An experimental investigation in the rabbit. Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. 208:131–140, 1986.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Oshima, Y., F. L. Harwood, R. D. Coutts, T. Kubo, and D. Amiel. Variation of mesenchymal cells in polylactic acid scaffold in an osteochondral repair model. Tissue Eng. C 15:595–604, 2009.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Pascual-Garrido, C., M. A. Slabaugh, D. R. L’Heureux, N. A. Friel, and B. J. Cole. Recommendations and treatment outcomes for patellofemoral articular cartilage defects with autologous chondrocyte implantation: prospective evaluation at average 4-year follow-up. Am. J. Sports Med. 37:33S–41S, 2009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Riegger-Krugh, C. L., E. C. McCarty, M. S. Robinson, and D. A. Wegzyn. Autologous chondrocyte implantation: current surgery and rehabilitation. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 40:206–214, 2008.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Rosen, J., E. Strauss, A. Schachter, and S. Frenkel. The efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronan injection after the microfracture technique for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions. Am. J. Sports Med. 37:720–726, 2009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Rudert, M. Histological evaluation of osteochondral defects: consideration of animal models with emphasis on the rabbit, experimental setup, follow-up and applied methods. Cells Tissues Organs 171:229–240, 2002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Salter, R. B. The biologic concept of continuous passive motion of synovial joints. The first 18 years of basic research and its clinical application. Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. 242:12–25, 1989.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Salter, R. B., D. F. Simmonds, B. W. Malcolm, E. J. Rumble, D. Macmichael, and N. D. Clements. The biological effect of continuous passive motion on the healing of full-thickness defects in articular-cartilage—an experimental investigation in the rabbit. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 62:1232–1251, 1980.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Shao, X. X., D. W. Hutmacher, S. T. Ho, J. C. Goh, and E. H. Lee. Evaluation of a hybrid scaffold/cell construct in repair of high-load-bearing osteochondral defects in rabbits. Biomaterials 27:1071–1080, 2006.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Sun, S., Q. Ren, D. Wang, L. Zhang, S. Wu, and X. T. Sun. Repairing cartilage defects using chondrocyte and osteoblast composites developed using a bioreactor. Chin. Med. J. (Engl.) 124:758–763, 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Sun, Y., Y. Feng, C. Q. Zhang, S. B. Chen, and X. G. Cheng. The regenerative effect of platelet-rich plasma on healing in large osteochondral defects. Int. Orthop. 34:589–597, 2010.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Swieszkowski, W., B. H. Tuan, K. J. Kurzydlowski, and D. W. Hutmacher. Repair and regeneration of osteochondral defects in the articular joints. Biomol. Eng. 24:489–495, 2007.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Taskiran, E., and C. Ozcelik. Autologous osteochondral transplantation. Acta Orthop. Traumatol. Turc. 41:70–78, 2007.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Thermann, H., C. Becher, and A. Driessen. Microfracture technique for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the talus. Orthopade. 37:196–203, 2008.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Tok, F., K. Aydemir, F. Peker, I. Safaz, M. A. Taskaynatan, and A. Ozgul. The effects of electrical stimulation combined with continuous passive motion versus isometric exercise on symptoms, functional capacity, quality of life and balance in knee osteoarthritis: randomized clinical trial. Rheumatol. Int. 31:177–181, 2011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Wang, W., B. Li, J. Yang, L. Xin, Y. Li, H. Yin, Y. Qi, Y. Jiang, H. Ouyang, and C. Gao. The restoration of full-thickness cartilage defects with BMSCs and TGF-beta 1 loaded PLGA/fibrin gel constructs. Biomaterials 31:8964–8973, 2010.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Xie, J., Z. Han, M. Naito, A. Maeyama, S. H. Kim, Y. H. Kim, and T. Matsuda. Articular cartilage tissue engineering based on a mechano-active scaffold made of poly(l-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone): in vivo performance in adult rabbits. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. B 94:80–88, 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Zhang, Y., F. Yang, K. Liu, H. Shen, Y. Zhu, W. Zhang, W. Liu, S. Wang, Y. Cao, and G. Zhou. The impact of PLGA scaffold orientation on in vitro cartilage regeneration. Biomaterials, 2012. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.1001.1006.

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Science Council of Taiwan, R.O.C. (99-2627-B006-009- and 99-2627-B006-018).

Conflict of Interest

All authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd, Tainan City, 701, Taiwan

    Nai-Jen Chang & Ming-Long Yeh

  2. Laboratory Animal Center, Department of Medical Research, Chi-Mei Medical Center, 901 Zhonghua Rd., Yongkang Dist., Tainan City, 701, Taiwan

    Chih-Chan Lin

  3. Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, 901 Zhonghua Rd., Yongkang Dist., Tainan City, 701, Taiwan

    Chien-Feng Li

  4. Division of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, N1.3-B2-13, Singapore, 637457, Singapore

    Kai Su

  5. Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, 701, Taiwan

    Ming-Long Yeh

Authors
  1. Nai-Jen Chang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chih-Chan Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Chien-Feng Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kai Su
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ming-Long Yeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ming-Long Yeh.

Additional information

Associate Editor Michael S. Detamore oversaw the review of this article.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (PDF 522 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chang, NJ., Lin, CC., Li, CF. et al. The Effect of Osteochondral Regeneration Using Polymer Constructs and Continuous Passive Motion Therapy in the Lower Weight-Bearing Zone of Femoral Trocheal Groove in Rabbits. Ann Biomed Eng 41, 385–397 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-012-0656-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-012-0656-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation