Metabolic and biochemical status of articular cartilage following cryopreservation and transplantation: a rabbit model.

To determine the fate of transplanted cryopreserved articular cartilage, an animal model employing the proximal humerus in the rabbit has been developed. Previous studies have been hindered by problems of postoperative joint instability, secondary injury due to immobilization, and paucity of cartilage for analysis. This experiment demonstrates the survival and function of transplanted cartilage by quantitative assessment of metabolic and biochemical parameters. Forty-five New Zealand white rabbits underwent transplantation of the right proximal humerus. In 29 animals, the proximal half of the humerus was resected and replaced by a cryopreserved osteoarticular allograft. Autograft procedures were carried out in the remaining animals. Following sacrifice at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively, articular cartilage was analyzed for gross appearance, collagen synthesis, proteoglycan synthesis, and water, hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and hexuronic acid contents. The results indicate that the cryopreserved osteoarticular allografts retained their metabolic and biochemical integrity and behaved as viable and biologically functional units 1 year postoperatively.