ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Platelet-rich plasma is a kind of autologous platelet concentrate that includes a large number of growth factors, and it can promote the regeneration of the tissue cels and matrix, and stimulate tissue repair, whereas it is easy to flow, and thus cannot be effectively fixed in the injured site. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of cuttlebone/platelet-rich plasma compound to repair the rabbit cartilage. METHODS:Twenty-one big-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. A model of osteochondral injury was made in the cartilage of the weight-bearing condyle of the rabbit right knee in the three groups, and respectively treated with implantation of cuttlebone/platelet-rich plasma compound in the experimental group, implantation of gelatin sponge/platelet-rich plasma compound in the control group, and nothing in the blank control group. The specimens were examined at 12 weeks postoperatively for gross observation and histological observation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 12 weeks after surgery, in the experimental group, the cartilage defect region was reduced significantly, chondrocyte-like cels appeared and arranged in alignment, showing a columnar distribution that is very close to the normal cartilage; in the control group, the cartilage defect region was narrowed a little, cartilage matrix-like tissues were visible but irregular; the blank control group, the cartilage defect region was narrowed slightly, and only bone cels, bone matrix and blood vessels were seen with no presence of cartilage or cartilage-like tissues. The defect diameter and depth in the experimental group were lower than those in the other two groups at 12 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the cuttlebone/platelet-rich plasma compound can promote the healing of cartilage defects.