Salter's 1980 rabbit experiment tested whether continuous passive motion (CPM) improves healing of surgically created full-thickness articular cartilage defects penetrating subchondral bone, comparing CPM to immobilization and intermittent active motion across 588 defects in 147 rabbits (adolescent and adult) assessed weekly for up to four weeks.
This study provides the foundational evidence supporting early mobilization after cartilage procedures. Understanding these principles helps explain why CPM and early range of motion remain standard components of post-operative cartilage repair protocols.
Salter's 1980 rabbit experiment tested whether continuous passive motion (CPM) improves healing of surgically created full-thickness articular cartilage defects penetrating subchondral bone, comparing CPM to immobilization and intermittent active motion across 588 defects in 147 rabbits (adolescent and adult) assessed weekly for up to four weeks.
This study provides the foundational evidence supporting early mobilization after cartilage procedures. Understanding these principles helps explain why CPM and early range of motion remain standard components of post-operative cartilage repair protocols.