Methods, instruments and materials for chondrocyte cell transplantation

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for the effective treatment of articulating joint surface cartilage in an animal by the transplantation of an implantable article including chondrocyte cells retained to an absorbable support matrix. The present invention is also directed to an instrument for placing and manipulating the implantable article at the site of implantation, and a retention device for securing the implantable article to the site of implantation. The present invention is also directed to an implantable article for cartilage repair in an animal, the implantable article including chondrocyte cells retained on an absorbable support matrix, and a method of making same. This invention also encompasses, in general, an article comprising an absorbable flexible support matrix for living cells grown and adhered thereto.

1 - 49 . (canceled)  
     
     
         50 . A method for treatment of a cartilage defect in an animal, said method comprising 
 (a) arthroscopically implanting an article comprising chondrocyte cells retained on a support matrix, the support matrix being absorbable by the animal; and    (b) securing the article at the site of the cartilage defect.    
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , further comprising removing defective cartilage from the cartilage defect.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 50 , further comprising placing a hemostatic barrier adjacent the defect.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the support matrix comprises polypeptides.  
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the support matrix comprises proteins.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the support matrix is collagen.  
     
     
         56 . The method according to  claim 55 , wherein the collagen is selected from the group consisting of Type I, Type II, Type III, equine, porcine, bovine, ovine, and chicken collagen, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         57 . The method according to  claim 55 , wherein the collagen is porcine collagen.  
     
     
         58 . The method according to  claim 55 , wherein the collagen is collagen Type I.  
     
     
         59 . The method according to  claim 55 , wherein the collagen is collagen Type II.  
     
     
         60 . The method according to  claim 50 , wherein the support matrix is solid.  
     
     
         61 . The method according to  claim 50 , wherein the support matrix is gel-like.  
     
     
         62 . The method according to  claim 50 , wherein in said step (b) the article is secured to the site of defect with an adhesive.  
     
     
         63 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the adhesive is a fibrin glue.  
     
     
         64 . The method according to  claim 50 , wherein in said step (b) the article is secured to the site of defect with absorbable mechanical retention means.  
     
     
         65 . The method according to  claim 64 , wherein said mechanical retention means is a pin.  
     
     
         66 . The method according to  claim 50 , wherein the animal is human.  
     
     
         67 . The method according to  claim 50 , further comprising configuring the article to fit within an arthroscope.  
     
     
         68 . The method according to  claim 50 , wherein the chondrocyte cells are added to said support matrix in a concentration of from about 7.5×10 5  cells per milliliter to about 2×10 6  cells per milliliter.