Repair of a large patellar cartilage defect using human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Patellar dislocation may cause cartilage defects of various sizes. Large defects commonly require surgical treatment; however, conventional treatments are problematic. CASE SUMMARY A 15-year-old male with a large patellar cartilage defect due to patellar dislocation was treated via human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) implantation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this treatment for this purpose. The patient recovered well as indicated by good visual analog scale, International Knee Documentation Committee and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cartilage regeneration 18 mo postoperatively. CONCLUSION Umbilical cord blood-derived hUCB-MSCs may be a useful treatment option for the repair of large patellar cartilage defects.