Matrices for cartilage repair

Techniques for repairing focal articular cartilage defects are evolving fro m methods that induce a local stimulation of fibrocartilaginous repair to m ethods that will lead to a hyaline articular cartilage repair. Mosaicplasty and autologous chondrocyte implantation are examples of the latter. A tiss ue engineered hyaline cartilage implant that could be used off the self wou ld minimize the morbidity of these techniques. However, there are significa nt questions that still need to be resolved before such tissue-engineered i mplants will be practical. Principally among these is the question of what is the ideal matrix for such an implant, particularly from the standpoint o f the best material and architecture. Second, what is the ideal cell source to use with these implants. A third major unknown is what is the most idea l way to use growth factors to enhance the repair. As these issues are reso lved, the prospects of a tissue engineered cartilage replacement will advan ce from theory to practice.