Application of adhesives in the treatment of cartilage repair

• Published in: Interdisciplinary medicine (Richmond, Vic. Print) Vic. Print), 2024-10, Vol.2 (4), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Feng, Haoyang, Ang, Kai, Guan, Pengfei, Li, Junji, Meng, Huan, Yang, Jian, Fan, Lei, Sun, Yongjian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adhesive; cartilage injury; cartilage repair
• ISSN: 2832-6245; 2832-6245
• DOI: 10.1002/INMD.20240015

From degeneration causing intervertebral disc issues to trauma‐induced meniscus tears, diverse factors can injure the different types of cartilage. This review highlights adhesives as a promising and rapidly implemented repair strategy. Compared to traditional techniques such as sutures and wires, adhesives offer several advantages. Importantly, they seamlessly connect with the injured tissue, deliver bioactive substances directly to the repair site, and potentially alleviate secondary problems like inflammation or degeneration. This review delves into the cutting‐edge advancements in adhesive technology, specifically focusing on their effectiveness in cartilage injury treatment and their underlying mechanisms. We begin by exploring the material characteristics of adhesives used in cartilage tissue, focusing on essential aspects like adhesion, biocompatibility, and degradability. Subsequently, we investigate the various types of adhesives currently employed in this context. Our discussion then moves to the unique role adhesives play in addressing different cartilage injuries. Finally, we acknowledge the challenges currently faced by this promising technology. Adhesives can be categorized into various types, each with distinct functionalities. These functionalities may encompass adhesion to fractured surfaces, defect site filling, incorporation of bioactive agents, facilitation of cell growth scaffolding, biodegradability, plasticity, moisture retention, and lubrication. Adhesives find applicability in addressing cartilage injuries affecting a spectrum of cartilaginous tissues such as the epiphyseal plate, intervertebral disc, nasal cartilage, meniscus, and articular cartilage.