Purpose: This study evaluated thr feasibility of creating a tissue-engineer
ed adult human mandible condyle composite of bone and cartilage.
Materials and Methods: A polymer template composed of polyglycolic acid (PG
A) and polylactic acid (PLA), and formed in the shape of the human mandible
condyle, was seeded with osteoblasts isolated from a bovine periosteum sus
pended in calcium alginate, Chondrocytes isolated from the same calf suspen
ded in 30% pluronic were then "painted" onto the articular surface of the s
caffold, and it was then implanted into subcutaneous pockets on the: dorsum
of athymic mice. Animals were divided into 3 groups: group I (n = 6) recei
ved a PGA/PLA scaffold saturated with hydrogels nor containing cells; group
II (n = 6) received scaffolds seeded with both cell types suspended in sal
ine rather than hydrogels; and group III (n = 6) received scaffolds seeded
with both cell types suspended in hydrogel composites. Constructs were harv
ested after 12 weeks and evaluated grossly and microscopically by using his
tologic stains.
Results: In group I, the constructs formed a small mass without evidence of
new bone or cartilage. In group II, the constructs were small and irregula
r. Microscopically they contained scattered islands of bone and cartilage,
All specimens in group III retained their original condylar shape and were
quite firm. Microscopic evaluation indicated trabecular hone interfacing wi
th hyaline cartilage on the articulating surface.
Conclusion: These findings show that the composites of bone and cartilage c
an be engineered to serve as condylar substitutes. The interdigitation of b
one and cartilage at their interface is similar to the normal interface of
these composite tissues seen in articulating joints. (C) 2001 American Asso
ciation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.