Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
You currently have no access to view or download this content. Please log in with your institutional or personal account if you should have access to through either of these
The Bone & Joint Journal Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from The Bone & Joint Journal

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

IMMATURE JOINT CARTILAGE AND THE HOMOGRAFT REACTION



Download PDF

Abstract

1. Grafts of joint cartilage from immature lambs were used to repair articular cartilage defects in other lambs and in adult sheep.

2. Stability of these grafts in a functional state was found in most for periods up to fourteen months. Although a limited homograft reaction occurred this did not lead to destruction of the cartilage, even though parts of it were well vascularised.

3. The results suggest that the process of endochondral ossification is associated with the liberation of antigenic material leading to sensitisation of the host. Destruction ofthe cartilage is prevented by an inhibitory action which the matrix appears to exert on the destructive elements themselves and which is itself dependent on the vitality of the chondrocytes.

4. The avascularity of cartilage is not a sufficient explanation for its privileged position in relation to the homograft reaction.

For access options please click here