Localized cartilage damage is a common problem for younger patients. This can heal, but often results in a painful condition that requires intervention. A welded-woven three-dimensional polymer fabric has been suggested as a suitable cartilage replacement because such materials closely match the mechanical properties of cartilage. However, such materials fare poorly when evaluated with respect to wear. A microscopic investigation of wear mechanisms showed that it is critical that the bers not deect laterally under a normal load. This observation led to the use of a new process for selective laser welding of the surface layers of three-dimensional fabrics in order to improve their wear resistance. Experimental evaluations were made in a pin-on-disc arrangement with a biomimetic loading. All materials used in the studies have previously been used in orthopaedic devices or meet the requirements for United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) Class VI biocompatibility approval. The wear rates were signicantly reduced and the lifespan of the fabrics was markedly improved due to surface welding, making this a viable option for cartilage replacement in vivo.

The onset of osteoarthritis is characterized by damage to articular cartilage. Current treatments include pharmaceutical therapies and arthroplasty procedures. Work on a new type of device that uses orthogonal woven polymer scaffolds as a structure for tissue engineering of cartilage has been cited in the literature [1].