ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the viability of chondrocytes according to different degrees of crushing and to investigate the mechanism of cell death in the crushed cartilage. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Septal cartilages were obtained from 22 patients and cartilage pieces were allocated to four groups; normal, mildly crushed, moderately crushed and severely crushed. The cartilage specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined under light microscope. The viability of the chondrocytes and the mechanism of cell death were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: As crushing intensity increased, chondrocyte viability significantly decreased. The mechanism of cell death was mainly due to necrosis rather than apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The viability of chondrocytes in the crushed cartilage depends on the degree of crushing. The mechanism of cell death after crushing is mainly necrosis. Therefore, for the clinical use of the crushed cartilage, slight overcorrection and standardization of the degree of crushing are recommended.