Fig. 8From: Instruments for reproducible setting of defects in cartilage and harvesting of osteochondral plugs for standardisation of preclinical tests for articular cartilage regenerationUse of the instruments in vivo. a The crown and front mill were applied on more than 60 Göttingen Minipigs. The trochlea is exposed clearly intraoperatively when the animal is lying on its back with a direct approach through the split patellar ligament. b Four chondral defects (one not visible) are created in the facets of the trochlea of a right knee joint of a Göttingen Minipig 6 mm in diameter. The defects are prepared, ready for the implantation of constructs later on. Sharp edges and rectangularity at the bottom of the defects will support the primary stability of the implants. The used instruments allow easy access due to their slim design, and the preparation of one defect is achieved in a few minutesBack to article page