Mesenchymal Stem Cell Applications for Joints in the Foot and Ankle

ACFAS Clinical Consensus Statements: Hallux Rigidus

The following are clinical consensus statements (CCS) on the topic of hallux rigidus sponsored by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. A core panel synthesized the data and divided the topic in to twelve sections, each section contained a variable number of consensus statements, based upon complexity. Overall there were 24 consensus statements synthesized for this subject matter. The 24 statements were provided to the expert panel with all available evidence to come to a consensus utilizing all available evidence.

Adipose-derived stem cells applied to ankle pathologies: a systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the current use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) and present the available evidence on their therapeutic potential in the treatment of ankle orthopedic issues, evaluating the applications and results. A literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane Library database was performed. The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias assessment was conducted through the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Initial search results yielded 4348 articles. A total of 8 articles were included in the review process. No clinical evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of one isolation method over the other, but nonenzymatic mechanical method has more advantages. In all studies included significant clinical outcomes improvement were recorded in patients affected by osteochondral lesion and osteoarthritis of ankle. All studies performed a concomitant procedure. No serious complications were reported. ADMSC injection, especially through the nonenzymatic mechanical methods, looks to be simple and promising treatment for osteochondral lesions and osteoarthritis of the ankle, with no severe complications. The current scarcity of studies and their low-quality level preclude definitive conclusions presently. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Interventional Imaging Techniques as Alternative to Surgery of the Foot and Ankle

A variety of foot and ankle pathologies can impair patient's daily activities, ultimately requiring surgical management. However, with improvements in image-guided intervention, the joints, soft tissues, and osseous structures may be accessible using various percutaneous techniques as a potential alternative therapeutic tool, avoiding the need for surgery with its associated risks and morbidity. This article discusses the potential range of image-guided interventional treatments. Injections, aspiration, biopsies, cryoablation, and radiofrequency ablation are described. Newer novel treatments are also covered. Finally, the common pathologies of Morton's neuroma, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis are addressed.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy as a New Approach for the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an intractable autoimmune disease with unmet medical needs. Conventional immunosuppressive therapies have modest efficacy and obvious side effects. Targeted therapies with small molecules and antibodies remain under investigation in small pilot studies. The major breakthrough was the development of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) to treat refractory SSc with rapidly progressive internal organ involvement. However, AHSCT is contraindicated in patients with advanced visceral involvement. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which are characterized by immunosuppressive, antifibrotic and proangiogenic capabilities may be a promising alternative option for the treatment of SSc. Multiple preclinical and clinical studies on the use of MSCs to treat SSc are underway. However, there are several unresolved limitations and safety concerns of MSC transplantation, such as immune rejections and risks of tumour formation, respectively. Since the major therapeutic potential of MSCs has been ascribed to their paracrine signalling, the use of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)/secretomes/exosomes as a "cell-free" therapy might be an alternative option to circumvent the limitations of MSC-based therapies. In the present review, we overview the current knowledge regarding the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in SSc, focusing on progresses reported in preclinical and clinical studies using MSCs, as well as challenges and future directions of MSC transplantation as a treatment option for patients with SSc.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Applications in Spine Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly being employed in a number of orthopedic settings, in particular in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Recently, the use MSCs has been investigated for different spine settings. However, the use of these cells is not yet widespread in the clinical practice. The aim of this review was to investigate the current literature regarding the use of MSCs in different spine conditions and discuss possible future applications. In particular, degenerative disc disease is the most studied field for MSC application, and is the only one that has already reached the clinical practice, albeit not routinely. Spinal cord injuries are another extensively investigated use of MSCs: despite encouraging preliminary results, a consensus on the efficacy of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries has not yet been reached, and their use is still only experimental.

Biologics in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis has been considered an acute inflammatory disorder. However, the local histologic findings represent a more chronic, degenerative state without inflammation. Patients may be stuck in a chronic state of cyclical inflammation leading to tissue degeneration, refractory symptoms, and disability. This idea process has influenced the treatment approach of some practitioners who have implemented the idea of regenerative medicine and use of biologic adjuvants in the treatment of plantar heel pain. Biologic therapies provide many different cellular components, growth factors, and proteins to restore normal tissue biology and are a useful adjunct in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability: a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic ankle pain is a prevalent and significant cause of chronic pain. While the definition of chronic ankle pain is heterogeneous and poorly defined in the literature, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have estimated this condition to be a prevalent and debilitating source of chronic pain. The most identifiable and prominent cause of chronic ankle pain is chronic ankle instability (CAI), a condition defined by instability of the ankle-joint complex. It is a common consequence of lateral ankle sprains or ligamentous injuries and can be described as a failure of the lateral ankle joint complex after an acute, or recurring, ankle injury. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of CAI diagnosis and our current understanding of minimally invasive treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

First-line treatment is conservative management, some of which includes neuromuscular rehabilitation, balance training, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), manual mobilization, ice therapy, and compression. While conservative management is effective, additional treatments for those who fail conservative management, or who seek alternative options also have been explored. Recent advances and modern techniques have expanded available treatment options, many of which are becoming less invasive, and have shown improving functionality, recovery, and patient satisfaction. Minimally invasive treatments highlighted in this review include: arthroscopic surgery, steroid injections, plasma-rich plasma injections, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, medicinal signaling cell injections, radiofrequency therapies, and shockwave therapies. This review will discuss some of these current treatments for minimally invasive treatment of CAI, as well as suggest novel treatments for clinical trials and further investigation.