Stem cell transplantation for the treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee: Operative technique for a single-stage transplantation procedure using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract Background Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a NICE-approved technique to regenerate hyaline cartilage in chondral and osteochondral defects (OCDs). The drawbacks of ACI include that it requires a two-stage approach, involves a lengthy rehabilitation process and is expensive. Bone marrow harvest with mesenchymal stem cell transplantation using a single-stage procedure and an accelerated rehabilitation programme has been developed to overcome this. The aim of this paper is to describe the surgical technique for stem cell transplantation of the knee for OCDs with reference to case examples. Methods The surgical technique for stem cell transplantation of the knee for OCDs is described, with reference to three cases. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at six months postoperatively. Results The surgical technique is described in this paper. The three patient cases described all improved clinically with reduced pain and improved function at a minimum of six months follow-up. Conclusions Stem cell transplantation has the potential to produce favourable outcomes for patients with osteochondral defects of the knee. This single-stage approach and accelerated rehabilitation is associated with reduced financial costs. A long-term prospective study of this technique is currently underway at our institution and randomised controlled trials are planned to demonstrate the effectiveness over other techniques.