Autologous Stem Cells for the Treatment of Chondral Injury and Disease

Abstract

While the enthusiasm of stem cells from benchtop and animal study has captured the attention of orthopedic clinicians treating and patients with knee pain, the development of an evidence base has been slow. Appropriate regulatory steps, the development of common language, and emerging mechanisms around stem cells are important. Early clinical trials around varying cell sources are encouraging and foster continued excitement. More comparative trials are needed to clarify the true role of these emerging technologies.