Synthetic plugs offer an alternative to total knee replacements

Dr. Grunlan and her team have developed synthetic cartilage-capped regenerative osteochondral plugs (CC-ROPs), an off-the-shelf surgical device designed to treat OCDs and avoid the need for total knee replacement. "Chronic knee pain and disability are caused by cartilage loss and OCDs stemming from arthritis, including osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis causing individuals pain that limits comfort and mobility," said Grunlan. "This grant will allow us to maximize the potential of the CC-ROPs to heal OCDs, and to collect data demonstrating this efficacy."

The CC-ROPs offer several advantages over existing treatment methods:

• Compatibility with existing surgical tools: Designed with the geometry of cylindrical autografts, they can be implanted using current surgical tools and protocols.
• No age or size restrictions: Unlike autografting, which is less effective in patients over 40 and limited by defect size, CC-ROPs are not restricted by these factors.
• Immediate joint support: The plugs provide immediate support for joint function, including knee articulation, without requiring pre-loading with cells or growth factors.

The CC-ROP consists of two main components:

• Cartilage cap: An ultra-strong hydrogel that mimics the mechanical properties of biological cartilage.
• Osseous base: A porous, bioresorbable polymer that is replaced by new bone tissue after implantation, anchoring the cartilage cap and stimulating new bone tissue formation.

"Overall, this design represents a feasible approach for clinical translation," noted Grunlan.

The grant will support the research team in optimizing the CC-ROPs for OCD healing and conducting necessary analyses to ensure their functionality and readiness for real-life applications. They will also evaluate the device's effectiveness in pre-clinical studies.

This study involves collaboration with Dr. Michael Moreno, associate professor in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M, Dr. W. Brian Saunders, associate professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M, and Dr. Mariah Hahn, professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“This effort is one of several partnerships forged between the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to develop solutions that benefit both animals and humans,” said Dr. Mike McShane, head of the biomedical engineering department and James J. Cain Professor II.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Texas A&M University