Method, instruments, and kit for autologous transplantation

Abstract

Method for the effective transplantation of chondrocytes/cartilage to an articular joint surface defect is taught, as well as a description of certain instruments and kit for practicing the invention.

1 . A method for the effective treatment of articulating joint surface cartilage by the transplantation of chondrocytes in a suitable matrix, to a surface to be treated at a graft site with a hemostatic barrier and a covering-patch comprising; sculpting the graft site such that the walls of the graft site are non-linear and undulating, placing a hemostatic barrier proximal to the surface to be treated within the sculpted graft site, placing chondrocytes in a suitable matrix within the graft site upon the hemostatic barrier, covering the surface to be treated with a covering patch.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the covering patch is partially attached prior to the placing of chondrocytes in a suitable matrix, within the graft site upon the hemostatic barrier.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hemostatic barrier is a resorbable, semi-permeable material which inhibits or prohibits vascular infiltration through the barrier.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the covering-patch is a cell-free, semi-permeable collagen matrix.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the hemostatic barrier contains collagen.  
   
   
       6 . A kit for the practice of the method of  claim 1  comprising a hemostatic barrier treated to inhibit resorption, a covering-patch treated to inhibit resorption, an organic glue, and optionally a surgical instrument for sculpting the walls of the graft site, and optionally a matrix material suitable for supporting chondrocytes placed within the graft site.