Abstract: Apparatus for minimum invasive fasciectomy, characterized by a tubular fixation element, including two detachably interconnected semitubular shells with in each case a wedge-shaped recess formed at a proximal end and at a distal end, a deflecting bar, whose length essentially corresponds to the portion between the recesses, and lifting wedges with in each case receptacles located at the lower portion thereof for the detachable connection of the lifting wedges to the deflecting bar, wherein the titling wedges can be introduced into the wedge-shaped recesses, accompanied by a sliding apart of the detachably interconnected semitubular shells.

Abstract: A biocompatible, resorbable Type II collagen-based matrix is reconstituted from solubilized animal cartilage tissue and used in the culture and growth of cells, such as chondrocyte cells. The matrix is produced by isolating cartilage tissue, solubilizing and reconstituting the cartilage to form a fleece-like material, pressing the fleece-like material to form a sheet-like article, and sterilizing the article. An implantable article for cartilage repair includes chondrocyte cells retained on the matrix.