Human adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells plus microfracture and hyaluronic acid for cartilage repair: a Phase IIa trial.

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• 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: This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the safety and efficacy of human adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (haMPCs) in combination with microfracture and hyaluronic acid (HA) for treating cartilage defects. Materials & methods: A total of 30 patients with medial femoro-tibial condylar cartilage defects were randomized into three groups: arthroscopic microfracture group and normal saline injection, arthroscopic microfracture and intra-articular injection of HA, or arthroscopic microfracture in combination with intra-articular injection of HA and haMPCs. Results & conclusions: The data demonstrated that intra-articular injection of haMPCs plus microfracture and HA is a safe procedure to improve joint function in patients with knee cartilage defects. These findings provide an impetus for future research on this treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02855073.

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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