MESENCHYMAL CELLS IN ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR - TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION AND CASE REPORTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a protocol of obtention of mesenchymal stem cells and to report their use as a biological adjuvant in three patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: Case series of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear using mesenchymal stem cells obtained from the bone marrow as a biological adjuvant. All patients were operated on at the same institution, by a surgeon with 13 years of experience. The cells were applied at the end of the procedure, at the tendon-bone interface, at an approximate concentration of 2,000,000 mesenchymal cells/mm3 and a total volume of 5 ml. Results: All patients improved with the procedure, with one excellent and two good results. All cases overcame the minimally important clinical difference. All cases reached tendon healing, without partial or complete re-tears. We observed no complications. Conclusion: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with added mesenchymal cells obtained from bone marrow and submitted to a cell expansion process led to good functional results and healing in all cases in the sample, with no complications. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.