Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Purpose: For several years, adipose tissue has gained increasing interest as an ideal source of mesenchymal stem cells for the regenerative treatment of numerous pathologies and degenerative processes, as like Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA). The aim of our study was to report postoperative clinical, functional and radiological outcomes in patients with KOA treated with intra-articular injection of autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs). Methods: We performed a systematic review searching for all the clinical studies dealing with the use of ADSCs for the treatment of KOA published in PubMed and Embase until April 2021. We included 8 prospective studies dealing with postoperative outcomes after ADSCs therapy. Results: All clinical and functional outcomes improved after intra-articular injections of ADSCs. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores showed an increased quality of repaired cartilage compared to the preoperative time. No serious advent events were observed. Conclusion: This study suggests that ADSCs therapy seems to be safe and effective. It can be considered an innovative procedure for improved cartilage regeneration and as adjuvant for the surgical treatment of diffuse degenerative chondral lesions with good clinical and radiological outcomes.