Rehabilitation program after mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation augmented by vascularized bone grafts for idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and safety of implementing a 12-week rehabilitation program after mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation augmented by vascularized bone grafting for idiopathic osteonecrosis (ION) of the femoral head.

DESIGN

A prospective case series.

SETTING

University clinical research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (N=10) with ION who received MSC transplantation augmented by vascularized bone grafting.

INTERVENTION

A 12-week exercise program, which included range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, muscle-strengthening exercises, and aerobic training.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures of ROM, muscle strength, Timed Up and Go test, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were collected before surgery and again at 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

All participants completed the 12-week program. External rotation ROM as well as extensor and abductor muscle strength significantly improved 6 months after treatment compared with that before treatment (P<.05). Significant improvements were also seen in physical function, role physical, and bodily pain subgroup scores of the SF-36 (P<.05). No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of a multiplex rehabilitation program after MSC transplantation and provides support for further study on the benefits of rehabilitation programs in regenerative medicine.