Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Osteochondral lesions are a common clinical problem and their management has been historically challenging. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes and thus restore hyaline cartilage to the defect, theoretically improving clincal outcomes in these patients. They can also be harvested with minimal donor site morbidity.

Purpose: To assess the clinical and functional outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell implantation to treat isolated osteochondral defects of the knee. A secondary purpose is to assess the quality of the current available evidence as well as the radiological and histological outcomes. We also reviewed the cellular preparation and operative techniques for implantation.

Study design: Systematic review.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search of 4 databases was carried out: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed. We searched for clinical studies reporting the outcomes on a minimum of 5 patients with at least 12 months of follow-up. Clinical, radiological, and histological outcomes were recorded. We also recorded demographics, stem cell source, culture technique, and operative technique. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the modified Coleman methodology score, and risk of bias for the randomized controlled studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

Results: Seventeen studies were found, encompassing 367 patients. The mean patient age was 35.1 years. Bone marrow was the most common source of stem cells utilized. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy consistently demonstrated good short- to medium-term outcomes in the studies reviewed with no serious adverse events being recorded. There was significant heterogeneity in cell harvesting and preparation as well as in the reporting of outcomes.

Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated a clinically relevant improvement in outcomes in patients with osteochondral defects of the knee. More research is needed to establish an optimal treatment protocol, long-term outcomes, and superiority over other therapies.

Registration: CRD42020179391 (PROSPERO).

Keywords: cartilage defect; knee; mesenchymal stem cells; osteochondral.