Optimization and Validation of a Human Ex Vivo Femoral Head Model for Preclinical Cartilage Research and Regenerative Therapies.

In this ex vivo model, chondrocyte viability was maintained in human femoral heads for up to 10 weeks in culture, a novel finding not previously reported. This human model could prove invaluable for the exploration, development, and assessment of preclinical cartilage repair and regenerative therapies.