Dynamic Self-Regenerating Tissue (dSRT) for Articular Cartilage and Meniscus Repair- MHSRS 2024

Guastaldi f, monteiro j, giorgino r, tynan m, leartprapun n, nadkarni s, randolph m, redmond r

Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the 2024 Military Health System Research Symposium

Articular cartilage and the meniscus are essential for smooth joint movements, but often degenerate due to trauma and overuse. Conventional repair methods like microfracture and autologous cell implantation frequently yield fibrocartilage instead of hyaline cartilage. Tissue engineering, exemplified by dynamic Self-Regenerating Tissue (dSRT), offers a promising solution by leveraging regenerative potential of cells. Fractional laser treatment, proven effective in skin regeneration, can be an adjunct for cartilage repair. This study evaluated the use of dSRT for cartilage and meniscus repair in a swine knee model. Laser Speckle Rheological Microscopy (SHEAR) was also employed to assess biomechanical properties.

dSRT displayed successful matrix formation, with good integration observed in laser-ablated channels in cartilage. This innovative approach holds promise for articular tissue resurfacing, albeit requiring further in vivo validation for knee meniscus repair.