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UC-MSC-Based Stem Cell Therapy for Torn Meniscus

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One of the most frequent knee injuries, a torn meniscus, frequently affects athletes and physically active people. A promising, minimally invasive method for healing and regenerating the injured meniscal tissue is stem cell therapy, especially when combined with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). This could eliminate the need for surgery.

How UC-MSC Therapy Works for Meniscus Tears

  1. Regeneration of Cartilage and Fibrocartilage:
    • UC-MSCs differentiate into chondrocytes and fibrocartilage cells, aiding in the reconstruction of meniscal tissue.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Effects:
    • UC-MSCs reduce inflammation in the knee joint, which accelerates healing and alleviates pain.
  3. Secretion of Growth Factors:
    • Release of cytokines and paracrine signals promotes tissue repair, angiogenesis, and reduction of scar formation.
  4. Immunomodulation:
    • UC-MSCs help regulate the immune response, preventing excessive inflammation and tissue degradation.

Procedure Overview

  1. Initial Assessment:
    • MRI and physical examinations confirm the extent and location of the torn meniscus.
    • Patients with degenerative or traumatic tears are evaluated for eligibility.
  2. Stem Cell Sourcing:
    • UC-MSCs are sourced from Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord, ensuring high proliferation capacity and low immunogenicity.
  3. Injection Procedure:
    • UC-MSCs are injected into the affected torn meniscus using ultrasound guidance to ensure precise delivery to the damaged meniscus.
  4. Rehabilitation:
    • Patients undergo physical therapy post-procedure to enhance mobility and support the healing process.

 

Benefits of UC-MSC Therapy for Torn Meniscus

  1. Non-surgical Option:
    • Reduces the need for invasive surgeries like partial or total meniscectomy.
  2. Accelerated Healing:
    • Faster recovery due to the regenerative properties of UC-MSCs.
  3. Pain Relief:
    • Reduction in joint inflammation and associated pain of torn meniscus.
  4. Restoration of Torn Meniscus:
    • Enhanced joint stability and improved mobility.
  5. Lower Risk of Osteoarthritis:
    • Preserving meniscal integrity reduces the likelihood of developing post-injury osteoarthritis.

 

Clinical Evidence

Studies have shown that UC-MSCs:

  • Improve tissue integration and meniscal regeneration in patients with partial or full- torn meniscus.
  • Enhance functional outcomes, such as improved range of motion and reduced knee pain scores.
  • Provide better results in patients treated within 6-12 months of the injury.

 

Typical Dosage for UC-MSCs in Torn Meniscus:

  1. Cell Count Per Injection:
    • 1 to 10 million cells per kilogram of body weight is a commonly used range in clinical practice.
    • For localized applications like a torn meniscus, the dose is typically 10–50 million cells per injection.
  2. Injection Frequency:
    • Often a single injection is sufficient for mild cases.
    • For more severe injuries or chronic conditions, multiple injections may be recommended, spaced weeks to months apart.
  3. Volume of Injection:
    • The injection volume is usually between 1–5 mL, containing the concentrated stem cells in saline or another carrier solution.
    • The injection is administered directly into the joint space under imaging guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) for precision.

Factors Affecting Dosage:

  1. Injury Severity:
    • A more extensive torn meniscus may require a higher stem cells dosage to maximize therapeutic effects.
  2. Patient’s Body Weight:
    • Dosing is sometimes adjusted based on the patient’s size to ensure optimal results.
  3. Age and Health:
    • Younger, healthier patients may require lower stem cells doses due to better natural regenerative capacity.
  4. Combination Therapies:
    • When combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or other regenerative treatments, lower stem cell doses may be sufficient.

Considerations and Challenges

  1. Patient Selection:
    • UC-MSC therapy is more effective for partial tears and early-stage injuries compared to chronic or completely torn meniscus.
  2. Cost:
    • Stem cell treatments can be costly and are not always covered by insurance.
  3. Regulatory Approval:
    • Therapy must comply with local regulations, including safety and quality standards.
  4. Adjunct Rehabilitation:
    • Success depends on adherence to a tailored rehabilitation program post-injection.

Prospects for the Future

Torn Meniscus may be further improved by research into bioprinted scaffolds containing UC-MSCs and combination therapies (such as PRP or hyaluronic acid). With improvements, UC-MSC therapy may replace torn meniscus repair as the go-to method, offering both functional recovery and long-term comfort.