Developing an Articular Cartilage Decellularization Process

Lower back pain is a significant source of morbidity in the United States, with a reported lifetime prevalence as high as 84%,1 at a total annual cost of as much as $200 billion.2 The facet joints are synovial joints lined with hyaline articular cartilage that stabilize the vertebral unit during flexion and extension and minimize axial rotation. During spinal loading, the facet joint is exposed to as much as 25% of the total load under normal conditions, and as much as 47% of the total load in osteoarthritis.3 This extensive loading results in the application of significant compressive and tensile forces to the articular cartilage surface, which leads to further tissue injury. Additionally, these significant loads may lead to significant pain as a result of the joint’s dense innervations, as reviewed by Kalichman and Hunter.4 Although facet joint osteoarthritis has been identified as a significant source of morbidity, current treatments merely strive Developing an Articular Cartilage Decellularization Process Toward Facet Joint Cartilage Replacement