CC2021: Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee (November 2021)-CC2021: Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee (November 2021)

CC2021: Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee (November 2021)

Pdf Summary

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising results in the treatment of cartilage defects in the knee, according to a systematic review of clinical outcomes. Osteochondral lesions are a common problem in orthopedics, and traditionally have been difficult to manage. MSCs have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes and restore hyaline cartilage to the defect, improving clinical outcomes. In this review, 17 studies were analyzed, encompassing 367 patients. The studies consistently demonstrated good short- to medium-term outcomes after MSC implantation, with no serious adverse events recorded. However, there was significant heterogeneity in cell harvesting and preparation techniques, as well as in the reporting of outcomes. The most common source of MSCs utilized was bone marrow. Other sources included adipose tissue, synovium, and peripheral blood. Culture techniques and operative techniques for implantation also varied. The studies included in the review evaluated clinical, radiological, and histological outcomes, and overall demonstrated a clinically relevant improvement in outcomes for patients with osteochondral defects of the knee. However, more research is needed to establish an optimal treatment protocol, long-term outcomes, and superiority over other therapies.

Keywords

Mesenchymal stem cells

MSCs

cartilage defects

knee

systematic review

clinical outcomes

osteochondral lesions

chondrocytes

hyaline cartilage

short-term outcomes