Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for the effective treatment of articulating joint surface cartilage in an animal by the transplantation of an implantable article including chondrocyte cells retained to an absorbable support matrix. The present invention is also directed to an instrument for placing and manipulating the implantable article at the site of implantation, and a retention device for securing the implantable article to the site of implantation. The present invention is also directed to an implantable article for cartilage repair in an animal, the implantable article including chondrocyte cells retained on an absorbable support matrix, and a method of making same. This invention also encompasses, in general, an article comprising an absorbable flexible support matrix for living cells grown and adhered thereto.
Abstract:
A method for the effective treatment of articulating joint surface cartilage (10) by the transplantation of chondrocytes in a transplant media (18) to a surface to be treated. The method includes the steps of placing chondrocytes in a transplant media (18) in a defect (30) of the articulating joint surface, and covering the surface to be treated with an absorbable covering cap (16). The present invention also includes a kit for chondrocyte transplantation including a covering cap (16) and securing device.