Core decompression with bone marrow aspirate concentrate in post collapse avascular necrosis of hip: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Orthobiologic therapies delay the need for hip arthroplasty in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head: A systematic review and survival analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review and survival analysis was to quantify the benefits of orthobiologic augmentation therapies for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head and identify the most effective approach to delay the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane on clinical studies on orthobiologic therapies used alone or as an augmentation to core decompression or other procedures to address hip AVN. A qualitative analysis of the different biological therapies applied was performed. Afterward, the results of these procedures were quantitatively analysed to document their survivorship from THA compared to treatment groups without orthobiologics. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for all studies and then by categorising orthobiologics into treatment subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 106 studies were included (4505 patients). Different orthobiologic approaches have been evaluated: cell-based therapies including bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or other bioactive molecules applied in the osteonecrotic area or as intra-arterial injections. The survival analysis at 120 months documented a higher (p < 0.0005) cumulative survivorship with orthobiologics (69.4%) compared to controls (48.5%). The superiority was shown specifically for BMAC (p < 0.0005), BM-MSCs (p < 0.0005), intra-arterial (p < 0.0005) and PRP (p = 0.011) approaches, but the direct comparison of these approaches with their controls confirmed benefits only for BMAC (p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and survival analysis demonstrated that orthobiologics have the potential to improve survivorship in patients affected by hip AVN. In particular, the specific analysis of different orthobiologic products supported relevant benefits for BMAC augmentation in terms of survival from the need for THA, while no clear benefits were confirmed for other orthobiologics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Evidence-based orthobiologic practice: Current evidence review and future directions

The field of orthopedic and regenerative medicine is rapidly evolving with the increasing utilization of orthobiologic. These biologically derived therapies, including platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, stromal vascular fraction (SVF), and autologous chondrocyte implantation, are gaining traction for their potential to enhance the body's natural healing processes. They offer a promising alternative to traditional surgical interventions for musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative conditions. Current evidence suggests significant benefits of orthobiologics in treating conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and spinal disorders, yet inconsistencies in treatment protocols and outcomes persist. The global market for orthobiologics is projected to grow substantially, driven by advancements in biologic therapies such as adipose-derived stem cells and SVF, and the demand for minimally invasive treatments. Despite their promise, regulatory and ethical challenges, as well as the need for high-quality, standardized research, remain significant obstacles. Future directions in the field include advancements in delivery systems, personalized medicine approaches, and the exploration of novel sources like induced pluripotent stem cells, aiming for more targeted and effective treatments. Collaborative efforts are crucial to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the safe and effective application of orthobiologics in clinical practice.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines on Regenerative Medicine Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Consensus Report from a Multispecialty Working Group

Purpose

Injectable biologics have not only been described and developed to treat dermal wounds, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, but have also been reported to treat chronic pain conditions. Despite emerging evidence supporting regenerative medicine therapy for pain, many aspects remain controversial.

Methods

The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) identified the educational need for an evidence-based guideline on regenerative medicine therapy for chronic pain. The executive board nominated experts spanning multiple specialties including anesthesiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and sports medicine based on expertise, publications, research, and clinical practice. A steering committee selected preliminary questions, which were reviewed and refined. Evidence was appraised using the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria for evidence level and degree of recommendation. Using a modified Delphi approach, consensus points were distributed to all collaborators and each collaborator voted on each point. If collaborators provided a decision of "disagree" or "abstain", they were invited to provide a rationale in a non-blinded fashion to the committee chair, who incorporated the respective comments and distributed revised versions to the committee until consensus was achieved.

Results

Sixteen questions were selected for guideline development. Questions that were addressed included type of injectable biologics and mechanism, evidence in treating chronic pain indications (eg, tendinopathy, muscular pathology, osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, neuropathic pain), role in surgical augmentation, dosing, comparative efficacy between injectable biologics, peri-procedural practices to optimize therapeutic response and quality of injectate, federal regulations, and complications with mitigating strategies.

Conclusion

In well-selected individuals with certain chronic pain indications, use of injectable biologics may provide superior analgesia, functionality, and/or quality of life compared to conventional medical management or placebo. Future high-quality randomized clinical trials are warranted with implementation of minimum reporting standards, standardization of preparation protocols, investigation of dose-response associations, and comparative analysis between different injectable biologics.

Assessing the Impact of a Modified Core Decompression Technique on Early-Stage Avascular Necrosis of the Hip Using Bone Marrow Concentrate Adjuvant Therapy: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis is characterized by the necrosis of trabecular bone and cells within the femoral head, which often results in the subchondral collapse and deformation of the articulating surface of the head. For the treatment of early stages of this condition, specifically Stage I and Stage II, bone marrow-derived stem cells have been employed effectively for several years. In our approach, we have utilized a modified technique to collect bone marrow aspirate, which has yielded favorable outcomes.

METHODS

In our study, we performed surgeries on 32 hips afflicted with early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Each patient underwent core decompression and the injection of bone marrow concentrate, guided by C-arm imaging in the operating theater. Evaluations were conducted using the Harris Hip Score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), along with radiological assessments to track the progression of osteonecrosis stages before and after the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

The comparison of pre- and post-surgery data, including the Harris Hip Score, VAS, progression of osteonecrosis stages, and radiological findings, revealed significantly positive outcomes. Since May 2013, 32 hips, regardless of the etiology of avascular necrosis (AVN), have been treated with this procedure. Notably, only four patients with bilateral AVN progressed to Stage III in one hip, while the other hip remained stable. In the remaining patients, pain was alleviated, and none progressed to later stages. No complications were observed in this study.

CONCLUSION

This minimally invasive technique, characterized by its simplicity and lack of associated complications or donor site morbidity, has proven to be an effective joint-preserving surgical intervention for early stages of femoral head osteonecrosis (Stages 1 and 2).

Core Decompression with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Implantation in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head with a Minimum of 2-year Follow-up - A Pilot Study

Introduction

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), resulting from impaired blood supply to the head of the femur, presents a significant challenge to clinicians due to its debilitating nature. Conservative treatment often offers insufficient pain relief and debilitating functional outcomes which necessitate alternative therapies. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), a potent orthobiologics and rich in mesenchymal stromal cells and growth factors, holds good promise as the minimally invasive procedure for ONFH. With the preceding research suggesting clinical and functional efficacy, we assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of BMAC in ONFH management in joint preservation.

Materials and Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with 20 patients suffering from ONFH who failed to respond to 6 months of conservative treatment. A uniform surgical procedure was performed by a single surgeon, involving bone marrow extraction from the anterior iliac crest and subsequent processing into an 8-10 mL of BMAC concentrate. The BMAC was then injected into the implanted into the decompressed femoral head. The post-operative protocol comprised weight-bearing mobilization, physiotherapy, and a 4-week NSAID-free regimen. Outcome measures included pain scores, hip function, knee symptoms, sports activities, patient satisfaction, and recommendation of the procedure.

Results

Of the 20 patients suffering from ONFH, primarily the left side, most of whom were at stage 2b, significant pain reduction and functional improvement were observed over 24 months. The mean pain score decreased from 9.00 to 3.55, while the hip function score increased from 46.12 to 88.60. However, some patients encountered complications such as symptom recurrence (5%), disease progression (10%), and persistent pain (5%).

Conclusion

Core decompression with BMAC implantation emerges as a promising, effective, and safe treatment for ONFH with better costeffectiveness and minimal side effects, making it a feasible treatment alternative.

Efficacy of Autologous Adult Live-Cultured Osteoblast (AALCO) Implantation in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Mid-Term Outcome Analysis

Introduction

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, a condition characterized by the interruption of blood supply leading to bone tissue death, presents significant therapeutic challenges. Recent advancements in orthobiologics, including the use of Autologous Adult Live-Cultured Osteoblasts (AALCO), combined with core decompression, offer a novel approach for managing AVN. This study assesses the efficacy of this treatment modality in improving functional outcomes and hindering disease progression.

Materials and methods

This retrospective observational study encompassed 30 patients treated between 2020 and 2023 for idiopathic AVN of the femoral head, grades I to III, who had not responded to conservative treatment. Patients were excluded based on specific criteria including age, secondary AVN causes, and certain health conditions. The treatment involved a two-stage surgical procedure under spinal anesthesia with OSSGROW® for AALCO generation. Post-operative care emphasized early mobilization, DVT prevention, and avoidance of NSAIDs. Outcome measures were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, modified Harris Hip Score, and annual MRI imaging for up to 36 months.

Results

Among 26 patients (41 hips) completing the study, statistically significant improvements in pain and hip functionality were documented, alongside positive radiological signs of osteogenesis in the majority of cases. However, four instances required advancement to total hip replacement due to disease progression.

Conclusion

The combination of core decompression and AALCO implantation shows promise as an effective treatment for AVN of the femoral head, with notable improvements in functional and radiological outcomes. This study supports the potential of orthobiologic approaches in AVN treatment, warranting further investigation through comprehensive randomized controlled trials.

Graphical Abstract

Combined approach of transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy and secretome implantation for avascular necrosis of femoral head: A case series

Several preservative treatment options are available for the early stages of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) but are not as effective as in the advanced-stages. The management of Ficat stage III-IV AFNH is limited to the high rate of patients being converted to total hip replacement (THR). Four female patients with Ficat stage III-IV ANFH were included in this study, with a median age of 32.5 (20-40 years) and different risk factors. All four patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with dynamic hip screw, transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO), and 7.5 mL secretome implantation from the allogeneic umbilical cord. With a median follow-up of 24.25 months (8-45 months), the patients showed an increment in Harris hip score and a decrement in visual analog scale during the follow-up period, except for one patient. Only the fourth patient with high disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus and a long period of corticosteroid consumption progressed into collapsed, infected, and converted to THR. Combining TRO with secretome implantation is an effective alternative for advanced Ficat stages of ANFH patients. However, uncontrolled autoimmune conditions might interfere with the efficacy of the combination treatment and worsen the prognosis.

Mesenchymal stem cells for subchondral bone marrow lesions: From bench to bedside

Subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are areas of disease within subchondral bone that appear as T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense ill-defined areas of bone marrow on magnetic resonance imaging. The most common bone marrow lesions include subchondral lesions related to osteoarthritis, osteochondral defects, and avascular necrosis. Emerging therapies include autologous biologic therapeutics, in particular mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to maintain and improve cartilage health; MSCs have become a potential treatment option for BMLs given the unmet need for disease modification. Active areas in the preclinical research of bone marrow lesions include the paracrine function of MSCs in pathways of angiogenesis and inflammation, and the use of bioactive scaffolds to optimize the environment for implanted MSCs by facilitating chondrogenesis and higher bone volumes. A review of the clinical data demonstrates improvements in pain and functional outcomes when patients with knee osteoarthritis were treated with MSCs, suggesting that BM-MSCs can be a safe and effective treatment for patients with painful knee osteoarthritis with or without bone marrow lesions. Preliminary data examining MSCs in osteochondral defects suggest they can be beneficial as a subchondral injection alone, or as a surgical augmentation. In patients with hip avascular necrosis, those with earlier stage disease have improved outcomes when core decompression is augmented with MSCs, whereas patients in later stages post-collapse have equivalent outcomes with or without MSC treatment. While the evidence for the use of MSCs in conditions with associated bone marrow lesions seems promising, there remains a need for continued investigation into this treatment as a viable treatment option.

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Common BMLs include osteoarthritis, osteochondral defects, and avascular necrosis.

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Patients with knee osteoarthritis treated with MSCs show improved pain and function.

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MSCs used as subchondral injection or surgical augmentation in osteochondral defects

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Improved outcomes of early hip avascular necrosis after core decompression with MSCs

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Additional preclinical and clinical evidence of MSCs as treatment for BMLs is needed.

Sickle Cell Disease: A Review

IMPORTANCE

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin, characterized by formation of long chains of hemoglobin when deoxygenated within capillary beds, resulting in sickle-shaped red blood cells, progressive multiorgan damage, and increased mortality. An estimated 300 000 infants are born annually worldwide with SCD. Most individuals with SCD live in sub-Saharan Africa, India, the Mediterranean, and Middle East; approximately 100 000 individuals with SCD live in the US.

OBSERVATIONS

SCD is diagnosed through newborn screening programs, where available, or when patients present with unexplained severe atraumatic pain or normocytic anemia. In SCD, sickling and hemolysis of red blood cells result in vaso-occlusion with associated ischemia. SCD is characterized by repeated episodes of severe acute pain and acute chest syndrome, and by other complications including stroke, chronic pain, nephropathy, retinopathy, avascular necrosis, priapism, and leg ulcers. In the US, nearly all children with SCD survive to adulthood, but average life expectancy remains 20 years less than the general population, with higher mortality as individuals transition from pediatric to adult-focused health care systems. Until 2017, hydroxyurea, which increases fetal hemoglobin and reduces red blood cell sickling, was the only disease-modifying therapy available for SCD and remains first-line therapy for most individuals with SCD. Three additional therapies, L-glutamine, crizanlizumab, and voxelotor, have been approved as adjunctive or second-line agents. In clinical trials, L-glutamine reduced hospitalization rates by 33% and mean length of stay from 11 to 7 days compared with placebo. Crizanlizumab reduced pain crises from 2.98 to 1.63 per year compared with placebo. Voxelotor increased hemoglobin by at least 1 g/dL, significantly more than placebo (51% vs 7%). Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is the only curative therapy, but it is limited by donor availability, with best results seen in children with a matched sibling donor. While SCD is characterized by acute and chronic pain, patients are not more likely to develop addiction to pain medications than the general population.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In the US, approximately 100 000 people have SCD, which is characterized by hemolytic anemia, acute and chronic pain, acute chest syndrome; increased incidence of stroke, nephropathy, and retinopathy; and a life span that is 20 years shorter than the general population. While hydroxyurea is first-line therapy for SCD, L-glutamine, crizanlizumab, and voxelotor have been approved in the US since 2017 as adjunctive or second-line treatments, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant with a matched sibling donor is now standard care for severe disease.

Core decompression and bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection for Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Various joint preserving treatments are available for use in Avascular Necrosis of the femoral head. Most of these are effective in the pre-collapse stage of the disease. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of core decompression and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in various stages of AVN, in modifying the progression of the disease and the need for hip replacement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines were followed. The literature search was conducted from inception till 2nd May 2021, on the PUBMED, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar search engines, using "bone marrow aspirate concentrate osteonecrosis femur" and "bmac osteonecrosis femur" as the keywords. In all these studies, Core Decompression with Bone marrow Aspirate concentrate was performed. The evaluation was done based on the progression of osteonecrosis, improvement in functional outcomes and the conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

RESULTS

We have analyzed 612 hips from11 studies, based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 38.27 years. There was a predominance of males. The grade of AVN ranged from grade 1 to 4. The average follow-up period of the cases ranged from 2 to 12 years (average: 4.38 years). The functional scores were improved in the majority of cases. Radiographic progression occurred in 23.5% of hips, and the Total Hip Arthroplasty was performed in 14.9% of hips.

CONCLUSIONS

Core decompression with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in pre-collapse stages of the disease is beneficial in improving the functions scores and for reducing the radiological progression of the disease and need for total hip arthroplasty, in the majority of cases.

Core Decompression Combined with Intraosseous Ibandronate for Pre-collapse Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: Report of a Novel Technique, its Safety and Early Outcomes in Five Cases

BACKGROUND

Core decompression (CD) is an effective method in the management of pre-collapse stage of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). It has been combined with various adjuvants to increase the efficacy including bone marrow aspirate concentration and platelet rich plasma. We evaluated a cheaper alternative in the form of ibandronate as an adjuvant to CD and to highlight the technique, safety, and early outcomes.

METHODS

The patients in the age group of 18-60 presenting with atraumatic ONFH in the pre-collapse stage were included in the study. The patients were followed up to a period of 1 year and evaluated in terms of radiologic progression and functional outcome (Modified Harris Hip Score [MHHS] and Visual Analog Scale [1]).

RESULTS

The study included six hips in five patients (three females and two males) ranging from 18 to 57 years. There was no sign of stage progression or collapse on radiography. The average post-operative MHHS was 87.4 (73.7-96.7) while VAS score improved from 2.8 to 1.3 postoperatively (p=0.00395).

CONCLUSION

The use of ibandronate as an adjuvant with CD shows promise. It is safe and provides good clinical improvement and is a cheaper alternative. However, the interpretation is limited due to the small number of patients and short duration of follow-up.