Affiliation:
1. University of Nottingham, UK
Abstract
This chapter reviews the structure and function of articular cartilage and the pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis (OA) before exploring the challenges associated with cartilage repair and regeneration. Surgical techniques for cartilage repair are critically reviewed and special emphasis is placed upon arthroscopic lavage and debridement, microfracture, bone marrow stimulation, and autologous osteochondral allografting. Biomimetic models of cartilage relevant to cartilage regeneration and tissue engineering research are reviewed along with microenvironmental approaches that preserve the chondrocyte phenotype using a combination of biomimetic 3-dimensional cell culture systems and growth factor supplementation. Future refinement of tissue-engineering approaches for cartilage repair will benefit significantly from advances in cell-based repair strategies. The authors provide their own perspectives by highlighting and prioritizing areas for future investigation.