OBJECTIVETo compare and evaluate the effect of autologous cancellous bone and cancellous bone enriching bone marrow stem cell for the repairing the defects of articular cartilage, and purpose the experimental basis for clinical application.

METHODSBy using the completely random design, 16 adult rabbits were divided into two groups randomly. Autologous cancellous bone and cancellous bone enriching bone marrow stem cells were applied for repairing size-matched, full-thickness articular cartilage defects on the femoral condyle of the knees. The reconstructed tissues were observed by gross, optical and microscopy view and Wakitani score at 12 weeks respectively.

RESULTSIn cancellous bone enriching bone marrow stem cells group, articular surface was ivory white and relative evenness, the regenerated tissues integrated well with the surrounding normal cartilage with obscure boundary between them. The thickness of regenerated tissues was two-third of normal cartilage, the Wakitani score was 4.44 +/- 1.41. In autologous cancellous bone group, articular surface was gray and introcession, the regenerated tissues was very thin, the thickness of regenerated tissues was one thirds or one half of normal cartilage, the Wakitani score was 8.93 +/- 1.18. The differences between two groups were significant (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCancellous bone enriching bone marrow stem cells are feasible for repairing of large articular cartilage defects with hyaline cartilage. The repairing ability of autologous cancellous bone is inferior.