Human adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells plus microfracture and hyaluronic acid for cartilage repair: a Phase IIa trial.

Aim: This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the safety and efficacy of human adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (haMPCs) in combination with microfracture and hyaluronic acid (HA) for treating cartilage defects. Materials & methods: A total of 30 patients with medial femoro-tibial condylar cartilage defects were randomized into three groups: arthroscopic microfracture group and normal saline injection, arthroscopic microfracture and intra-articular injection of HA, or arthroscopic microfracture in combination with intra-articular injection of HA and haMPCs. Results & conclusions: The data demonstrated that intra-articular injection of haMPCs plus microfracture and HA is a safe procedure to improve joint function in patients with knee cartilage defects. These findings provide an impetus for future research on this treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02855073 Graphical abstract