Introduction
The knee joint is one of the most important joints in the human body that plays a significant role in locomotion. The joint is constructed by several structures, including the cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and bones. However, the cartilage is the most crucial part of the knee joint, as it acts as a shock absorber and helps to maintain the stability of the joint. Unfortunately, cartilage damage is a common occurrence and can significantly affect the joint's function. The development of knee cartilage repair techniques has become a major research topic to address this issue.
The Application of Knee Cartilage Repair Techniques
Knee cartilage repair techniques are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to repair cartilage defects, prevent the progression of degenerative diseases, and improve motion range and joint function. These techniques involve the transplantation of chondrocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and various biomaterials to regenerate the cartilage tissue. Some of the most common techniques include microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral allograft transplantation (OAT), and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI).
Microfracture involves the stimulation of the bone marrow to produce a blood clot in the damaged area that forms a fibrocartilage. ACI technique involves extracting a small amount of healthy cartilage tissue from the patient's knee, which is cultured and expanded in the laboratory. The cells are then implanted back into the damaged area. OAT involves transplanting cartilage tissue from a donor to the damaged area. MACI is a combination of ACI and biomaterials that promote cartilage regeneration.
The Development of Knee Cartilage Repair Techniques
Knee cartilage repair techniques have undergone significant developments over the last few decades. Initially, cartilage repair was challenging due to the lack of good blood supply to the cartilage. Microfracture was the first technique developed to address this problem. However, the cartilage produced by this technique was limited and not as durable as normal cartilage. In the early 1990s, ACI was developed, which allowed for the transplantation of hyaline cartilage cells and led to more durable cartilage repair.
OAT was another significant development in knee cartilage repair, as it offered the possibility of repairing large cartilage defects. However, problems such as secondary donor site morbidity, limited supply, and postoperative transplant cartilage detachment occurred. MACI was developed to overcome the limitations of previous techniques, providing not only a favorable environment for cell growth but also mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic morphogens that can improve chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage repair itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of knee cartilage repair techniques has brought significant improvements in the treatment of cartilage injuries. The use of chondrocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and various biomaterials has provided innovative and effective options for repairing damaged cartilage tissue. The selection of the appropriate technique depends on factors, such as the size, location, and depth of the defect, along with the patient's age, activity level, and general health condition. However, further studies are required to evaluate the long-term outcomes of these techniques and the potential for incorporating new techniques into clinical practice.
