Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Optimum Storage Conditions for Osteochondral Allograft Plugs: An Ex Vivo Comparative Study of 12 Storage Protocols Publisher



Shayanmoghadam R1 ; Sherafatvaziri A2 ; Vosoughi F2 ; Mirzamohamadi A3 ; Saffar H4 ; Shafieian M5 ; Zanjani LO1 ; Nematian H1 ; Nabian MH1
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shariati Hospital and School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Center for Orthopedics Trans-Disciplinary Applied, Research, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Pathology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran

Source: Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Published:2025


Abstract

Objective: Physiological storage temperature and chondrogenic supplements can enhance tissue viability, potentially overcoming the limitations associated with osteochondral allograft transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of macroscopically healthy cartilage across 12 different storage protocols to find optimum storage conditions for osteochondral allograft plugs. Methods: Osteochondral plugs were obtained from arthroplasty candidates and divided into 12 groups based on two culture media (Media 1 [supplemented Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium {DMEM}/Ham's Nutrient Mixture F12] or Media 2 [enriched Media 1 with 10 ng/mL of transforming growth factor-beta {TGF-β}]), two culture conditions (static or dynamic), and three temperatures (−70°C, 4°C and 37°C). Subsequently, samples were evaluated on Days 1, 14, 28 and 60 for biochemical, biomechanical and histopathological characteristics alongside bacterial surveillance. Results: A total of 4338 plugs from 843 donors were assessed. Chondrocyte viability and proteoglycan synthesis were highest in the DMEM enriched with TGF-β at 37°C and 4°C. Although biomechanical properties decreased over time in all groups, dynamic culture conditions resulted in smaller decreases compared to other storage protocols. Viscoelasticity was observed in all samples, with dynamic media groups being maintained the most. Histological evaluation showed signs of degeneration, and temperature variations affected the preservation of the tissue differently. Bacterial surveillance identified contamination in specific storage conditions. Conclusion: Storing osteochondral allografts at 37°C in TGF-β supplemented media under dynamic conditions may extend the grafting window from 14 to 60 days. This extension could improve tissue availability, reduce costs and minimize graft wastage, thereby advancing joint resurfacing techniques. Further research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this storage protocol. Level of Evidence: N/A. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy.