HUMAN ARTICULAR-CARTILAGE STORAGE IN CELL-CULTURE MEDIUM - GUIDELINESFOR STORAGE OF FRESH OSTEOCHONDRAL ALLOGRAFTS

The viability of transplanted articular cartilage is one of the determ inants of outcome following the transplantation of osteochondral allog rafts. Disappointing results from cryopreservation have led to the pra ctice of fresh transplantation of articular segments, especially for p osttraumatic defects. To date, no studies have demonstrated in vitro v iability rates for refrigerated human cartilage awaiting transplantati on. This study evaluates the effects of storage on the viability of hu man chondrocytes using cell culture medium. Human articular cartilage obtained from notchplasties was stored for up to 48 hours in cell cult ure medium. Radioactive S-35-sulfate uptake was determined at 0, 24, a nd 48 hours, as a measure of protein, synthesis, and chondrocyte viabi lity. Specimens were stored at 4 degrees C in culture medium. Results showed an average decrease in S-35-sulfate uptake of 0.8% at 24 hours and 6.4% at 48 hours, indicating a high level of chondrocyte viability after refrigeration. Because transplantation typically is performed w ithin 24 hours of tissue harvest, it appears that nearly 100% of chond rocytes should survive fresh transplantation.