Abstract: A biocompatible, bioresorbable tissue repair implant or scaffold device is provided for use in repairing a variety of cartilage tissue injuries, and particularly for resurfacing and/or repairing damaged or diseased cartilage. The repair procedures may be conducted with tissue repair implants that contain a biological component that assists in delaying or arresting the progression of degenerative joint diseases and in enhancing tissue healing or repair. The biocompatible, bioresorbable tissue repair implants include a scaffold and particles of viable tissue derived from cartilage tissue, such that the tissue and the scaffold become associated. The particles of living tissue contain one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using locally administered collagenase as a non-invasive means of enhancing cell release from the cartilage or fibrocartilage tissues adjacent to a disease or injury site. The subsequent migration of cells from these tissues into the lesion or wound, followed by deposition of the appropriate extracellular matrix, results in closure of the lesion or fusion of a tissue gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using locally administered collagenase as a non-invasive means of enhancing cell release from the cartilage or fibrocartilage tissues adjacent to a disease or injury site. The subsequent migration of cells from these tissues into the lesion or wound, followed by deposition of the appropriate extracellular matrix, results in closure of the lesion or fusion of a tissue gap.