Compositions and methods for the treatment and repair of defects or lesions in articular cartilage using synovial-derived tissue or cells

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for treatment of cartilage defects in animals and humans. The compositions of the invention include synovial tissue, synovial cells and matrices containing synovial (or cambium) tissue or cells for use in filling a cartilage defect. The matrix and synovial tissue or cell preparations may also contain a proliferation agent, transforming factor or other active agents to promote healing. A controlled-release delivery system may be used to administer the transforming factor. The compositions of the invention also include a synovial covering membrane or devitalized fascial sheet for covering the cartilage defect. The methods of this invention are those in which a minimally invasive surgical intervention is performed to remove a small portion of synovial membrane from a joint. Portions of the synovial membrane, or cells expanded in vitro, are implanted alone or within a matrix, into the defect site, where they produce new cartilage tissue and repair the defect. Alternatively, partially transformed synovial-derived tissue may be formed in situ and implanted into the defect site.

1 . A method for anchoring cells or tissues placed within an articular cartilage defect, comprising: 
 perforating the subchondral bone plate at the base of the defect at multiple points;    covering the base of the defect with a membrane;    depositing an osteogenic factor and/or an angiogenic factor between the base of the defect and the membrane;    depositing superior to the membrane and between the membrane and the plane of the top of the cartilage defect a chondrogenic preparation selected from the group consisting of a cell suspension, cells within a matrix, synovial membrane tissue and synovial membrane tissue within a matrix; and    covering the defect with a covering membrane.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising placing a transforming factor between the membrane and the covering membrane.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising placing an anti-angiogenic factor between the membrane and the covering membrane.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to any one of claims  1 - 3 , wherein the membrane and the covering membrane comprise synovial membranes.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to any one of claims  1 - 3 , wherein the transforming factor is selected from the group consisting of TGF-β's, BMP's, CDMP, IHH, SHH and SOX-9.