immunology allergic disorders
Tissue Transplantation
Cartilage Transplantation
Cartilage transplantation is used for children with congenital nasal or ear defects and adults with severe injuries or joint destruction (eg, severe osteoarthritis). Chondrocytes are more resistant to rejection, possibly because the sparse population of cells in hyaline cartilage is protected from cellular attack by the cartilaginous matrix around them. Immunosuppression is therefore not indicated. The long-term benefit of various forms of cartilage transplantation for treatment of osteoarthritis is unclear. 