Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
Autologous Adipose-Derived MSCs Seeded on a Collagen I/III Scaffold for Focal Knee Cartilage Defects: A Prospective Case Series With 24-Month Follow-up
By C.C. Kaleka, P.D. Vargas, M. Cohen and 3 others.
Abstract
Objective
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSCs) are a promising strategy for focal full-thickness knee chondral defects repair. This prospective case series evaluated the feasibility and safety of a tissue-engineered construct consisting of autologous ADMSCs seeded onto a type I/III collagen scaffold for symptomatic focal tibiofemoral cartilage defects.
Methods
Four symptomatic patients with full-thickness focal chondral lesions (ICRS grade IV) underwent implantation of an autologous ADMSC–collagen construct and were followed for 24 months. Adipose tissue was harvested using a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. ADMSCs were isolated and expanded ex vivo, seeded onto a type I/III collagen scaffold, and implanted after defect debridement via arthrotomy; fixation was performed with sutures and fibrin glue. Patient-reported and clinician-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline and postoperative follow-up visits. Cartilage repair was evaluated by MRI using the MOCART scoring system at 6 and 12 months.