Repair of osteochondral defects with hyaluronan- and polyester-based scaffolds

The degradation rate of the scaffolds is critical for the repair process. Slowly dissolving scaffolds sustain thicker cartilage at the surface but, it frequently presents cracks and discontinuities. These scaffolds also delay bone formation at the base of the defects. Hyaluronan-based scaffolds appear to allow faster cell infiltration leading to faster tissue formation. The degradation of ACP™ leads to rapid bone formation while the slow degradation of HYAFF®-11 prolongs the presence of cartilage and delays endochondral bone formation.