Evaluation of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy in focal chondral defects of the knee: a pilot case series.

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Aim: To evaluate the safety, pain, functional and structural improvements after autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) therapy in combination with arthroscopic abrasion arthroplasty in focal chondral defects of the knee. Methods: Eight patients with a focal full thickness chondral defect of the knee underwent arthroscopic abrasion arthroplasty followed by postoperative intra-articular injections of autologous ADMSCs (50 × 10 6 ADMSCs at baseline and 6 months). Clinical outcome was assessed using numeric pain rating scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Structural outcome was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Outcome was assessed over 24 months. Results: No serious adverse events occurred. Participants observed clinically significant improvement in pain and function. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed cartilage regeneration with T2 mapping values comparable to hyaline cartilage. Conclusion: Arthroscopic abrasion arthroplasty in combination with intra-articular ADMSC therapy results in reproducible pain, functional and structural improvements with regeneration of hyaline-like cartilage. Trial registration number: ACTRN12617000638336.

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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