Innovative Approaches in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Bone Marrow-Derived Products

José Fábio Lana1,2,3,4,5, Joseph Purita1,3, Madhan Jeyaraman3,6

  • 1Medical School, Max Planck University Center (UniMAX), Indaiatuba 13343-060, SP, Brazil.

Biomedicines
|January 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) show promise for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). These orthobiologics offer potential for tissue regeneration and reduced inflammation, providing an alternative to conventional treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Knee osteoarthritis (OA) involves progressive cartilage and bone degeneration, leading to pain and inflammation.
  • Current treatments like NSAIDs have adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity and potential cartilage damage.
  • There is a need for therapies that promote tissue regeneration and repair in knee OA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in treating knee OA.
  • To evaluate the potential of orthobiologics for accelerating healing and preventing OA progression.
  • To assess the anabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of stem cells and growth factors in BMA/BMAC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on BMA and BMAC for knee OA treatment.
  • Analysis of research on the cellular and molecular components of BMA and BMAC.
  • Assessment of clinical outcomes reported in existing literature regarding BMA/BMAC efficacy.

Main Results:

  • BMA and BMAC are rich in hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and growth factors (GFs).
  • These components possess anabolic and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for tissue repair.
  • Favorable preliminary results suggest potential for accelerated healing and OA progression prevention.

Conclusions:

  • BMA and BMAC represent promising orthobiologic treatments for knee OA.
  • Their regenerative potential may offer an alternative to conventional therapies with adverse effects.
  • Further research is warranted to fully establish the long-term efficacy and optimal use of BMA/BMAC in knee OA management.