Human Umbilical Cord-Blood Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Can Improve the Clinical Outcome and Joint Space Width after High Tibial Osteotomy

Purpose We compared the clinical and radiologic results of human umbilical cord-blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs)cartilage regeneration procedures combined with HTO to those of microfracture with HTO. Methods From August 2017 to December 2018, HTO patients with International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade IV cartilage defects over 200 mm2 on medial femoral condyle (MFC) were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided into two groups: those who had undergone an hUCB-MSC induced cartilage regeneration procedure (group MSC) and those with microfractures only (group C, controls). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Lysholm scores were evaluated post-operatively at 18 months. Radiologically, mechanical axis (MA) and joint space width (JSW) were evaluated. Results A total of 100 knees were enrolled (43 in group MSC, 57 in group C). The IKDC score in group MSC (69) was better than that in group C (62; P P