THE REPAIR OF OSTEOCHONDRAL DEFECTS IN OSTEOARTHRITIC RABBIT KNEES BY THE USE OF CARBON-FIBER

Implants of carbon fibers and carbon fiber patches were tested for their biocompatibility in osteochondral defects in rabbits with instability induced knee osteoarthrosis. The resulting repairs were compared to control holes in which no implant was inserted. There was no apparent biodegradation when carbon fiber bundles were implanted for periods from 2 to 18 wk, and the carbon fiber patches appeared to induce the gross appearance of a restored joint surface, mechanically strong to loading for periods from 2 to 26 wk. Carbon fiber in the form of a patch promoted the healing of the osteochondral defects in osteoarthritic femora with well organized fibrous tissue over repaired subchondral bone. The use of these carbon-fiber patches is suggested as an implant material for the restoration of articular surfaces in osteoarthritis.