Editorial Commentary: Animal Trials Using Stem Cells to Enhance Anterior Cruciate Ligament Treatment Are Interesting. But, Why Not More About Us Humans?

Abstract

Although hampered by heterogeneous studies with low methodologic quality and high risk for bias, the current literature demonstrates the potential for enhanced healing of anterior cruciate ligament injuries during the early phase using adult stem cells in animal trials. There are only 2 published controlled clinical trials on the subject matter, and they have small sample sizes, undefined cell numbers, and unstandardized selection criteria and surgical techniques. There is a clear need for studies with higher levels of evidence that would include long-term, larger animal studies ultimately leading to improved clinical trials.