Treatment of human congenital malformations and for loss of tissue or organ function is a serious clinical concern, frequently supported by harvesting autogenous tissue for reconstructive surgery. This paper summarizes an alternate approach through novel tissue engineering methods and describes cell-polymer composites that could be fundamental in developing advances for digit and joint replacement. The work utilizes cells from different sources transplanted on biodegradable polymer matrices to form structures with defined shape, morphological features and composition resembling those of human phalanges and intact joints.

Polyglycolic acids (PGA) fibers (Albany International, Mansfield, MA) 15 μm in diameter were used as a mesh support for cell attachment and matrix formation. For cartilage and tendon cells, PGA alone served as a flat surface without specific shape. For bone cells, PGA was copolymerized with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) (Polysciences, Warrington, PA) and shaped after a human phalanx molded from cadaveric distal and middle phalangeal bones. Polymers were sterilized with ethylene oxide before use.