Estimation of articular cartilage regeneration potentials under different conditions of experimental lengthening of limb adjacent segment

The results are presented concerning studying articular cartilage reparative regeneration under different conditions of adjacent limb segment lengthening: by the technique of ―fan-like‖ distraction (series1) and using automatic distraction with 3-mm rate (series 2). While using the modes of limb lengthening studied the structural-and-functional changes of reactive and/or destructive-and-reparative character were revealed in articular cartilage the degree of which depends on the amount of one-time lengthening, as well as on the periods of limb distraction and fixation with the device. The intensity of destructive changes was higher for ―fan-like‖ distraction. Activation of proliferative and biosynthetic processes was the main factor which provided for the possibility of change reversibility. In series 1, by the end of the experiment (93 days) proliferation in the articular cartilage was associated with the decrease of secretory active cells in number, cartilage thickness increased to a less extent than in the comparable series. In series 2, at this stage (experiment period 75 days), though regeneration was incomplete, the dynamics of the studied parameters indicated to intensifying of both biosynthetic and proliferative activity of cells, thereby evidencing the possibility of articular cartilage subsequent restitution.