Skip repetitive links and go to content
Orthopedic Surgery, University of Wisconsin - Madison
For Patients
Residents and Fellows
Meet the Faculty
Alumni
Our Research
Active Grants
Research Faculty and Scientists
Research Employment Opportunities
Giving Opportunities
Links for Researchers
UW Orthopedic Research Labs
Dr. Kaplan's Lab
Resources for Researchers
News and Events

Development of Partial-Thickness Articular Cartilage Injury in an Ovine Model

Funding:

UW Sports Medicine Fund

Principal Investigator:

Lee D. Kaplan, MD

Lab Website:

Dr. Kaplan's Research

Project Summary:

The objective of this project is to establish an animal model for partial thickness articular cartilage (PARC) lesions. This will provide a foundation to study the natural history of the progression of these lesions.

Our hypothesis is that a controlled, measured PARC lesion can be produced and characterized in a sheep model. The development of this reproducible, in vivo PARC lesion model will facilitate the evaluation of the natural history of these lesions. Once established, it will provide a model to objectively test various biological and mechanical treatment alternatives.

Specific Aim 1: Develop a controlled, measured PARC lesion model in sheep.

Specific Aim 2: Utilize this partial thickness articular cartilage lesion model to evaluate the natural progression of this pathology by the following criteria:

    1. Gross morphology of the lesion
    2. Histology
      1. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining
      2. Confocal imaging of Ethidium and Calcein dye incorporation
    3. Biochemistry of articular cartilage metabolism
      1. MTT conversion (indicating general cell viability)
      2. Proteoglycan synthesis (indicating normal chondrocyte activity)

Currently, fibrillated PARC lesions are being treated with various chondroplasty techniques. The goal of these techniques is to stabilize the articular surface and prevent further propagation of the lesions. The presumed benefit of removing this fibrillated articular cartilage has not been substantiated nor do we have the basic science knowledge about the natural progression of these lesions. The purpose of this project is to identify a PARC lesion model and evaluate the characteristics of these lesions longitudinally.

 

Administration - Maps - Affiliated Hospitals - UW Home

Administration - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 07/15/02 Last updated: 11/24/09 webmaster@ortho.wisc.edu
Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System