Radiographic Evaluation of Osteochondral Defect Repair using a Tissue-Engineered Scaffold with and without Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rabbits
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.2.34Keywords:
Bone marrow MS cells, Osteochondral defect, Rabbit, Scaffold.Abstract
The regeneration of osteochondral defects remains a major clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of articular cartilage and the structural complexity of the osteochondral unit. Simultaneous regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone with seamless integration at their interface is required for the effective repair. The current study was carried out to develop and evaluate an effective tissue engineered scaffold with or without bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) for regeneration of osteochondral defects. An in vivo study was carried out in New Zealand white rabbits (n=24) randomly distributed into 3 groups as per the treatment protocol. Standardized osteochondral defects were created in the trochlear groove of the left distal femur. The radiographic evaluation on day 45 post surgery revealed moderate increase in radiopacity in both groups II and III, while substantial increase in defect radiopacity was seen at day 90. At day 90 radiographic characteristics had improved compared to day 45 in test scaffold as well as BM-MSC seeded scaffold group animals compared to the untreated group animals. Radiographic evaluation corroborated these findings, demonstrating progressive defect filling, restoration of surface contour, and gradual mineralization of subchondral bone without pathological changes. These findings suggest that the developed scaffold, particularly when combined with BM-MSCs, effectively supports osteochondral regeneration.Downloads
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