Modelo experimental para reparação de cartilagem articular utilizando gel de plasma rico em plaquetas

Abstract

Hyaline cartilage is a fundamental component for the proper functioning of synovial joints. With complex architecture and slow metabolism, after being injured, its regeneration is challenging. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a therapeutic option widely used in musculoskeletal disorders, as it stimulates tissue repair and is an autologous product that is easy to prepare. The objective of this study is to evaluate a proposal for an experimental model for articular cartilage repair. For that, the patellofemoral joint of sheep was used and a therapeutic approach was used through an adapted protocol of PRP gel. Nine sheep were used, which underwent the surgical procedure of lateral patellofemoral arthrotomy of the left pelvic limb, execution of joint failure and subsequent histological evaluation. In addition to the pilot, the animals were divided into 4 groups, between treated and control and according to the time of postoperative evaluation (GC I – control animal, evaluated at 30 days; GC II – control animals, evaluated at 120 days; GT I – animal treated with PRP and evaluated at 30 days and GT II – animals treated with PRP and evaluated at 120 days). During the surgical procedure, it was possible to visually confirm that the PRP gel remained at the site of joint failure in the animals of the treated groups. When reading the slides, scores were assigned (0 = fully repaired; 1 = intensely repaired; 2 = partially repaired; 3 = weakly repaired; 4 = no repair) for the following parameters: defect filling, chondrocyte predominance, organization of chondrocytes, fixation of the repair tissue to the subchondral bone and perimetric cartilage, and superficial fibrillation of the repair tissue. It was found that there was complete integration of the repair tissue with the subchondral bone and with the perimetric cartilage in all animals in the experiment. In all parameters, the GT I and GT II groups presented a score of 0 or 1. It is concluded that the realization of joint failure on the medial surface of the trochlea of the femur in rams can be used as an experimental model for analysis of articular cartilage repair that the PRP gel has the ability to repair sheep articular cartilage.