Treatment of chondral defects with cultured autogenous articular chondrocytes: A canine model

A canine model was developed to determine the optimal conditions for articular cartilage regeneration. Two chondral defects were made with a dermal punch in the intercondylar notch of the right knee of adult canines. Periosteal flaps were excised and sutured to enclose the defects. Sagittal paraffin sections were stained with H&E, Safranin-O and with antibodies to Type I and Type II collagens and link protein. Results indicate that the canine model provides a means to elucidate articular cartilage regeneration and the effects of various interventions on the process.