Three-Dimensional-Printed Polydopamine-Polyurethane Scaffold in a Porcine Model Contributes to Chondral Regeneration in Acetabular Labrum Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To validate the efficacy of 3-dimensional-printed polyurethane-polydopamine (PUDA) scaffolds for acetabular labrum reconstruction.

METHODS: PUDA scaffolds were successfully prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy. An acetabular labrum reconstruction model was established by implanting the grafts into 18 porcine hips. Hips were collected at 3 or 6 months postsurgery for magnetic resonance imaging, gross view, and histological evaluation, including H&E, Safranin O/fast green, toluidine blue, immunohistochemistry, (Collagen II), and immunofluorescence (SRY-box9, Aggrecan).

RESULTS: The polyurethane scaffolds were successfully modified with polydopamine. Macroscopic evaluation showed a significantly higher Outbridge score for the regenerated labrum in the PUDA group. Histological staining indicated that the regenerated labrum reconstructed with PUDA adhered to the acetabular rim, with increased deposition of proteoglycan (25.14% ± 5.80%) and elevated expression of Collagen II (0.05 ± 0.02), SRY-box9 (25.36% ± 3.61%), and Aggrecan (21.11% ± 5.01%) compared with the control group (labral resection).

CONCLUSIONS: PUDA scaffolds successfully promoted proteoglycan deposition, chondrogenesis, and labrum regeneration, showing a chondroprotective effect on the femoral head.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The PUDA scaffolds could represent a feasible treatment option for patients with irreparable labra in clinical practice.