Affiliations: [a] University of Toronto, Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, Canada | [b] Mt Sinai Hospital & Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, Canada | [c] University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Canada | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Robert M. Pilliar, University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada. Tel.: +1 416 979 4903 (ext 4473); Fax: +1 416 979 4760; E-mail: bob.pilliar@utoronto.ca.
Abstract: Porous calcium polyphosphate (CPP) constructs of desired density were formed by sintering CPP powders. Articular cartilage was formed on these constructs in cell culture over an 8-week period with the resulting cartilage layer forming on the CPP surface and within the near surface pores thereby mechanically anchoring the cartilage to the CPP. The biphasic constructs so formed were implanted in sheep femoral condyle sites and left for short-term periods (3 to 4 months) or longer periods (9 months). Implant fixation within the condyle sites was achieved through bone ingrowth into the inferior CPP pores. The properties and characteristics of the as-in vitro-formed, short- and long-term implanted tissues were compared. The results indicated that such implants might be useful for repair of small subchondral defects.
Keywords: Articular cartilage repair, osteochondral implants, porous calcium polyphosphate, tissue engineering, implants, in vitro and in vivo studies, tissue ingrowth
