Title:Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Enhancing Biologic Healing after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Author(s): Ki-Mo Jang, Hong Chul Lim and Ji Hoon Bae
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Anterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament injury, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, biologic
healing, knee joint, mesenchymal stem cells.
Abstract: Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using tendon grafts is the current
gold standard for the treatment of ACL tears in active patients. However, many patients still experience
residual knee instability, knee pain and progressive cartilage degeneration following ACL reconstruction.
Recent developments in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based approaches for treating
musculoskeletal injuries have led to the application of MSCs for enhancing healing after ACL injuries.
The purpose of this article is to review recent pre-clinical and clinical studies using MSCs for the enhancement of biologic
healing of ACL injuries. Because of the success of pre-clinical studies, MSC-based approaches are now thought to be
promising treatment options for enhancing biologic healing of ACL grafts and restoring the functional properties to the
levels of the native ACL, and ultimately improving clinical outcomes.
