Biologic resurfacing of a major joint defect with cryopreserved allogeneic periosteum under the influence of continuous passive motion in a rabbit model.

Abstract

Periosteal autografts have been widely used for biologic resurfacing of full-thickness articular cartilage defects in rabbits. This study examined the effect of donor and recipient age on biologic joint resurfacing using fresh and cryopreserved periosteal allografts in a rabbit model. The study also assessed the ability of cryopreserved periosteal allografts to undergo neochondrogenesis. Eighty New Zealand rabbits were divided into six groups receiving combinations of fresh or cryopreserved allografts. After all the grafts were secured with fibrin glue, the animals were subjected to two weeks of continuous passive motion followed by four weeks of cage activity or intermittent active motion. The rabbit knees were analyzed at six weeks by gross examination, histochemical staining, and collagen typing. No significant difference in chondrogenic potential between fresh and cryopreserved periosteal allografts was observed. Grafts obtained from adult donors were much less chondrogenic than those from adolescents, but adults recipients experienced reasonably good results when they received allografts from young donors. No evidence of rejection was found in any of the samples as late as six weeks after transplantation.