An implant device for cartilage regeneration in loading-bearing regions
uses the osteochondral defect model. The implant is formed of resorbable
polymeric materials. The implant is designed such that load is
transmitted from the articulating surface of the bone platform through
the implant to the entire area of subchondral bone of the bone platform.
Application of load in this manner results in reduced subchondral bone
resorption, leading to joint stabilization and maintenance of normal
joint biomechanics. The implant allows for the incorporation therein of a
resorbable scaffold or matrix material. The present implant solves the
current inability to regenerate cartilage in load-bearing articulating
surfaces using engineered scaffold devices.
