Storage in Media 1 at 37☌ maintained chondrocyte viability at significantly higher levels than in any other media-temperature combination and at levels not significantly different from controls. Five femoral condyles were stored overnight and assessed the next day to serve as controls.
Chondrocyte viability, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen (hydroxyproline ) content, biomechanical properties, and collagen II and aggrecan content were assessed at days 28 and 56.
Medial and lateral femoral condyles were stored in Media 1, similar to the current standard, or Media 2, an anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic media containing dexamethasone and transforming growth factor-β3, at 4☌ or 37☌ for up to 56 days. Osteochondral allografts from 15 adult canine cadavers were aseptically harvested within 4 hours of death. Osteochondral allograft tissues stored at 37☌ will have significantly higher chondrocyte viability, as well as superior biochemical and biomechanical properties, than those stored at 4☌. The window of opportunity for implantation is limited to 14 days due to a 2-week disease testing protocol. Osteochondral allografts (OCAs) are currently preserved at 4☌ and used within 28 days of donor harvest.
