A clinical feasibility study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PEOT/PBT implants for human donor site filling during mosaicplasty

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2013 Jan;23(1):81-91. doi: 10.1007/s00590-011-0907-6. Epub 2011 Dec 6.

Abstract

Mosaicplasty has become a well-accepted treatment modality for articular cartilage lesions in the knee. Postoperative bleeding remains potentially concerning. This study evaluates the porous poly(ethylene oxide)terephthalate/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT) implants used for donor site filling. Empty donor sites were the controls. After 9 months, MRI, macroscopical and histological analysis were carried out. Treated defects did not cause postoperative bleeding. No adverse events or inflammatory response was observed. PEOT/PBT implants were well integrated. Empty controls occasionally showed protrusion of repair tissue at the defect margins. Surface stiffness was minimally improved compared to controls. Existing polymer fragments indicated considerable biodegradation. Histological evaluation of the filled donor sites revealed congruent fibrocartilaginous surface repair with proteoglycan-rich domains and subchondral cancellous bone formation with interspersed fibrous tissue in all implanted sites. The PEOT/PBT implants successfully reduce donor site morbidity and postoperative bleeding after mosaicplasty.

Level of evidence: II.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants
  • Adult
  • Arthroplasty / adverse effects
  • Arthroplasty / methods
  • Biocompatible Materials / adverse effects
  • Biocompatible Materials / therapeutic use*
  • Cartilage, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Cartilage, Articular / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Implants, Experimental
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Polyesters / adverse effects
  • Polyesters / therapeutic use*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use*
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Radiography
  • Tissue Scaffolds
  • Transplantation, Autologous / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyesters
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate)
  • Polyethylene Glycols