Safety and Efficacy Study of HYTOP® in the Treatment of Focal Chondral Defects.

The two-layer bioresorbable HYTOP® matrix consists of an upper layer of highly purified porcine splint-skin which contains natural pores, and a lower layer of highly purified collagen fleece containing hyaluronan (HA). In this study, the medical device will be used and evaluated in a one-step procedure combining microfracturing with surgical implantation of HYTOP®. HYTOP® will support haemostasis in the articular cartilage defect, act as a support for cell growth and as a three-dimensional scaffold for cell differentiation. HYTOP® will protect the underlying tissue after cartilage debridement and/or microfracturing of the subchondral bone. The primary working hypothesis is that HYTOP® is safe and suitable as a cell-free matrix to support haemostasis, as a cover for the cartilage lesion and eventually to enhance cartilage regeneration in a one-step surgical procedure.