Nondestructive Assessment of Articular Cartilage Electromechanical Properties after Osteochondral Autologous and Allogeneic Transplantation in a Goat Model

ObjectiveTo determine the applicability of a minimally invasive diagnostic device to evaluate the quality of articular cartilage following autologous (OAT) and allogeneic (OCA) osteochondral graft transplantation in goat model.DesignOAT grafts were harvested from lateral femoral condyles (LFCs) and transplanted into osteochondral defects created in medial femoral condyles (MFCs) of contralateral knees. OCA grafts were transplanted into MFC condyles after in vitro storage. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was administered intraarticularly after the surgery and at 1 and 2 months postoperatively. OAT and OCA grafts were evaluated macroscopically (Oswestry arthroscopy score [OAS]), electromechanically (quantitative parameter, QP), and histologically (O’Driscoll score, safranin O staining intensity) at 3 and 6 months after transplantation. Results were compared with preoperative graft evaluation.ResultsTransplanted cartilage deteriorated within 6 months in all groups. Cartilage quality was better retained...