Effect of amniotic membrane/collagen scaffolds on laryngeal cartilage repair.

Objectives: Laryngeal cartilage defects are a major problem that greatly impacts structural integrity and function. Cartilage repair is also a challenging issue. This study evaluated the efficacy of a collagen scaffold enveloped by amniotic membrane (AM/C) on laryngeal cartilage repair.

Study Design: Experimental animal study.

Methods: Fourteen Dutch rabbits were enrolled in the study. A 5 mm cartilage defect was created in the right and left thyroid lamina. The animals were divided into two groups randomly. Group 1 collagen scaffolds and group 2 AM/C were applied to the right side defects. Left side defects were not repaired, serving as control. Histologic evaluation was done 45 and 90 days following collagen and AM/C application with criteria of tissue and cell morphology, lacuna formation, vascularization, and inflammation.

Results: Significant improvement in cartilage repair was observed in the AM/C side compared to the control side in all histologic criteria after 45 days (<.05). After 90 days, cartilage repair improved in cell morphology, lacuna formation, and inflammation significantly (<.05).

Conclusion: The combination of amniotic membrane and collagen scaffolds provides a promising treatment modality for improving the repair of laryngeal cartilage defects.

Level Of Evidence: NA.