Treatment of Osteochondral Defects in Knee Using Implant Material Obtained from Beech Wood: An Experimental Study in Sheep

Adem YILDIZ; Nizamettin GUZEL; Emrah SAYIT

Volume : VII, Issue : II, February - 2018

Treatment of Osteochondral Defects in Knee Using Implant Material Obtained from Beech Wood: An Experimental Study in Sheep

Adem Yildiz, Nizamettin Guzel, Emrah Sayit

Abstract :

Objective: This animal study examines the macroscopic and microscopic changes occurring after filling the osteochondral defects in the knee with implant material obtained from beech wood.

Methods: The study was conducted on 24 knees of 12 female sheep. An International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) type IV defect with 7 mm diameter and 9 mm depth was created on the right medial femoral condyle, and wood grafts with a diameter of 7 mm and depth of 7 mm, which were prepared in conical shape were placed in the defect using press–fit technique, to make it stays at 2 mm depth from the cartilage surface. An ICRS type IV osteochondral defect was created with the same diameter and depth for the control group at the medial condyles of the left knee.

Results: In terms of surface area and subchondral bone; there was a significant difference between 8^th week and 16^th week in the study group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between control group and study group at 8^th week, or 16^th week (p > 0.05). In terms of the matrix, viability and mineralization there was no significant difference between 8^th week and 16^th week in the study group. There was no significant difference between control group and study group at 8^th week, or 16^th week (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The wood graft that we used in the treatment of osteochondral defect is inexpensive, biocompatible, biomechanically solid and stable, allows attachment of chondrocytes, enables a joint range of motion and beå of load, can be applied in a single arthroscopic session. Therefore, in the treatment of osteochondral defects, it may be an alternative treatment method.