| abstract |
An allograft osteochondral plug is combined with a mixture that includes freeze-milled cartilage particles, and such combination is used to repair defects in articular cartilage. The plug includes an subchondral bone portion and an integral overlying cartilage cap which is treated to remove cellular debris and proteoglycans. At least a portion of the plug has a lateral dimension selected to form an interference fit against a tissue layer exposed as a result of a bore formed in a defect area in articular cartilage of a host. The cartilage particle mixture is placed adjacent at least a portion of the plug for promoting cartilage cell migration into (i.e., from the adjacent host cartilage) and proliferation in the bore, and for enhancing tissue integration between the plug and patient (i.e., host) tissue when the plug is inserted into the bore. Methods for surgical implantation of the plug into a patient are also disclosed. |