Tissues reborn: fetal membrane-derived matrices and stem cells in orthopedic regenerative medicine

The amniotic and chorionic membranes, as well as the stem cell populations contained within them, represent a widely available, versatile, and promising resource for use in numerous regenerative medicine applications. The primary focus of this review is to examine the use of the fetal membranes and/or their resident stem cell populations for regenerating orthopedic tissues. This discussion is prefaced by a brief synopsis of the structure, function, and biological properties of the extracellular matrix; embryological development; and a brief description of the distinct stem cell populations residing within the amniotic and chorionic membranes. Commercially available perinatal tissue allograft products available in the United States are reviewed, and a concise summary regarding the US Food and Drug Administration's current viewpoint on these technologies is provided. Concluding remarks regarding suggested future research directives for evaluating these tissues and stem cell sources in relation to orthopedic regenerative medicine applications also are presented.