Why Do Osteochondral Allografts Survive? Comparative Analysis of Cartilage Biochemical Properties Unveils a Molecular Basis for Durability.

Background: Transplantation of osteochondral allografts (OCAs) freshly preserved for ≥30 days has proven to be a reliable technique for cartilage resurfacing. However, the prolonged storage of allografts comes at the expense of chondrocyte viability, which declines precipitously after 14 days under refrigeration. Despite this, radiographic data indicate that most allograft cartilage remains stable for years after implantation.