Treatment of defects in joint cartilage aims to re-establish normal joint function. In vitro
experiments have shown that the application of synthetic scaffolds is a promising alternative
to existing therapeutic options. A sheep study was conducted to test the suitability of
microporous pure β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramics as tissue engineering scaffolds for
the repair of osteochondral defects. Cylindrical plugs of microporous β-TCP (diameter: 7mm;
length: 25mm; porosity: 43.5±2.4%; pore diameter:∼ 5μm) with interconnecting pores were …

This work investigated the suitability of microporous β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds
pre-seeded with autologous chondrocytes for treatment of osteochondral defects in a large
animal model. Microporous β-TCP cylinders (Ø 7mm; length 25mm) were seeded with
autologous chondrocytes and cultured for 4weeks in vitro. Only the upper end of the cylinder
was seeded with chondrocytes. Chondrocytes formed a multilayer on the top. The implants
were then implanted in defects (diameter 7mm) created in the left medial femoral condyle of …