Electrospun Synthetic Polymer Scaffold for Cartilage Repair Without Cultured Cells in an Animal Model

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to explore the possibility that an electrospun bioabsorbable scaffold could be used in the treatment of a full-thickness articular defect without the addition of exogenous cells in a rabbit model. Methods: Two types of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) scaffolds, a solid cylindrical type and a cannulated tubular type, were made with the electrospinning method. Osteochondral defects, 5 mm in diameter and 5 mm in depth, made on the femoral condyles of rabbits were filled with these scaffolds, and the repair process was investigated histologically. Results: In the groups in which the defect was filled with the scaffold, fibrous tissue at the articular surface of the scaffold was observed at postoperative week 2. Thereafter cartilage at the articular surface and bone at the subchondral zone were regenerated, and the repaired cartilage was maintained through postoperative week 24. By contrast, the untreated defect was filled with hematoma at postoperative week 2; thereafter regenerated cartilage and bone were observed. However, the surface of the articular cartilage was not regular, and regenerated cartilage was not well organized. The histologic scores of the groups in which the defect was filled with cannulated tubular electrospun PLG scaffolds were significantly higher than those of the untreated defect group at postoperative weeks 12 and 24 (P<.01). Conclusions: The electrospun PLG scaffold could repair a 5-mm osteochondral defect created in the rabbit model without exogenous cultured cells. Clinical Relevance: The electrospun PLG scaffold could repair full-thickness osteochondral defects. The cannulated type of PLG scaffold has the possibility to lead not only to good regeneration of cartilage but also to easy transplantation by use of a guidewire through the cannulas in the scaffold.