Second-look arthroscopic findings of cartilage and meniscus repair after injection of adipose-derived regenerative cells in knee osteoarthrits: Report of two cases.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to use second-look arthroscopic findings and clinical assessment to determine outcome in two cases of knee osteoarthritis treated by intra-articular knee injection of adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs).

CASE PRESENTATION

This study involved two patients who received ADRC therapy for knee osteoarthritis and completed the six-month post-treatment follow-up period. For each treatment, 130 mL of subcutaneous adipose tissue was harvested using tumescent liposuction technique and manual aspiration of tissue from the thigh using a suction cannula under local anesthesia in the operating room. The adipose tissue harvested was processed using the Celution® Centrifuge in a dedicated cell processing room. The ADRCs were injected into the articular cavity of both knees for one patient and into a single affected knee in the second patient (three joints). Pain and knee function were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Knee Outcome in Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) respectively. The cartilage defect was assessed by direct visualization (arthroscopy). No serious adverse events were reported throughout follow-up. Pain and knee function were significantly improved from baseline in all treated knees at one, three and six months after ADRCs. At six-months after ADRCs treatment, the second-look arthroscopy showed that almost all the cartilage defect areas were covered by regenerated cartilage, some cartilage fibrillation area was reduced, and meniscus tear areas were repaired.

CONCLUSIONS

Cartilage and meniscus repair were observed six-months after ADRCs therapy under second-look arthroscopy. It was shown that a single administration of ADRCs might be effective as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis.