Abstract
Objectives
Due to the lack of consensus, the objective of this systematic review was to describe the results in the literature with greater evidence on the effectiveness of stem cell (SC) treatment in ACL injuries, understanding their indications and updates on recommendation level.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers independently carried out a search with the same descriptors in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases, for studies published up to 2023. The following descriptors were used: Stem cell; knee injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Treatment. The following filters were used to reach the expected final result: “Randomized Controlled Trial; “Randomized Clinical Trial”; “Meta-Analysis”; “Systematic Reviews”; “Pragmatic Clinical Trial”.
Results
A total of 11 studies met all inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in this review. There was a very strong correlation between the searches of the two researchers (k=0.841). In the included clinical trials, patients were evaluated primarily based on patient-reported outcome scores, and validated instruments. Clinical trials demonstrated results, but not significantly, post-injection in patients who received SC compared to patients who received hyaluronic acid (HA). There were no significant differences in post-injection outcome scores when comparing patients with and without SC use.
Conclusion
The clinical application of stem cells for the treatment of ACL injuries may be a good adjunctive treatment option. However, published clinical studies to date have not identified a significant difference, even with apparent clinical improvement.