Stem Cell Treatment for Cartilage Defects

Stem cells are multi-potent cells. They can develop into different cells in the body. There are various types of stem cells depending on lineage of cells they can produce. Mesenchymal Stem cells are the cells we orthopaedicians are interested in, as they can develop into bone or cartilage.

Stem cells are found in bone marrow, commonly harvested from iliac crest. These stem cells can be concentrated and used, or can be cultured ex vivo (grown outside the body) in special labs to form the required cells and then implanted into the defective area.

Stem cells are used in a wide spectrum of conditions, to enhance healing or to replace bone and cartilage. The indications for use of stem cells is fast expanding in the field of orthopaedics.