The comparison of regerative potential of perichondrial and periosteal graftsand the effects of oxidised cellulose on regeneration

In reconstructing cartilage defects, the use of autogenous cartilage grafts is the most preferred and gold standard option. Unfortunately cartilage donor sites within the body are limited. The osteochondrogenic capacities of both perichondrium and periosteum are well known for years, and both are capable of cartilage formation when used as free grafts under certain conditions. Ear perichondrial (Group 1) and calvarium periosteal grafts (Group 2) of 1.4 x 2.4 cm were folded on themselves to create closed pockets and then were injected with autogenous blood. Besides 0.8 x 0.8 cm sized oxidized regenerated cellulose sheets were placed inside other perichondrial (Group 3) and periosteal (Group 4) grafts which were identically prepared with groups 1 and 2. All grafts were transplanted into the subfascial planes of abdominal muscles. After a 6 week follow-up the grafts were harvested. Their volumes were measured by submerging them into water, weights were measured by sensitive tissue scales and the quality and amount of cartilage tissue formed were assessed by histological studies. Statistically, though it was found that the groups were not different on the basis of their volumetric studies, and the grafts including oxidized cellulose were found to be heavier than the others, histologic studies revealed that the perichondrial grafts produced more cartilage with better maturation. On the other hand, oxidized cellulose neither enhanced nor retarded chondrogenesis, but caused an increase in fibrotic tissue formation. Volumetric studies by histomorphometric analysis also revealed that the volume measurements by submerging the tissues into water did not reflect the amount of newly formed mature cartilage.