Regenerative Medicine: Current Applications of Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

The term Regenerative Medicine encompasses the use of stem cell therapies, growth factors and any biologic therapeutic that will enhance musculoskeletal repair. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is one of the most commonly utilized cell therapies currently and evidence is mounting on the uses it may have for musculoskeletal diseases1,2. Stem cells most commonly used are those in the adult mesenchymal stem cell arena and are derived from bone marrow aspirates or fat harvest. The indications within tendon/ligament and joint therapies are also becoming more familiar. Within tendon and ligament injuries doses of 10-20 million per site is typically delivered and, based on delivery mechanisms, intralesional implantation of MSCs still seems to be the preferred and most efficacious method to deliver the cells. Regional perfusion via venous delivery as well as well as intra-arterial delivery (without a tourniquet) have also been utilized however intralesional continues to be most effective in terms of cell survival at the site of the lesion3 ...