Biological performance of a three-dimensional fabric as artificial cartilage in the repair of large osteochondral defects in rabbit

A new artificial cartilage [A three-dimensional fabric (3-DF) comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber with a triaxial three-dimensional structure and coated with hydroxyapatite] was used to repair large osteochondral defects in rabbit knees. The knees with the 3-DF implanted in the osteochondral defects were evaluated 2–24 weeks after the operation macroscopically and microscopically. The 3-DF coated with hydroxyapatite was fixed firmly to the subchondral bone with the newly formed bone into and around the 3-DF. Hyaline-like cartilage was formed to a certain extent on the surface of the 3-DF, and the surface damage of the patella opposed to the 3-DF was minimal. In addition, the 3-DF caused no adverse effects such as particle disease, infection or severe synovitis during the experimental period. Consequently, the 3-DF seems to have successful biocompatibility in this rabbit experiment.