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In spite of significant advances in implant designs and orthopaedic surgical techniques, many degenerative and genetic disorders of the musculoskeletal system remain suboptimally treated. T he discovery of human stem cells and the ability to culture and differentiate them into any form of cell has been one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of the century. G iven that this has a potential clinical role, the future of stem cell therapy is much anticipated in terms of revolutionizing clinical care. T his review illustrates that stem cells can be harvested outside of human bone marrow. Adipose and muscle tissues can provide an ample amount of stem cells and allow for minimally invasive modes of stem cell harvesting. W ith the development of stem cell therapy, there is now a role for regenerative medicine in orthopaedics, focusing on the replacement, repair, and stimulation of a patient's own intrinsic capacity for healing. T his review highlights the latest applications of stem cell therapy in the fields of spine, articular cartilage, bone, meniscus, tendon, and ligament repair and regeneration. Adv Orthop 2010;2(3):81-7.
Conditions related to degenerative processes of the musculoskeletal system are expected to rise in tandem with an aging population. It is paramount that advances in medical science address the needs of these patients and help them to retain their functional abilities for as long as possible.
The musculoskeletal system consists of tissues with poor regenerative capability, such as cartilage, muscle, and nerves. Tendons that have suffered injury have been reported to be 50% weaker than normal even after months or years of remodeling [1]. Current tissue engineering therapies focus on replacing, repairing, or promoting the regeneration of diseased or damaged tissues. Regenerative therapies include local injection of stem cells or growth factors, gene transfer, in situ tissue engineering, and in vitro production of bioengineered tissues to be further transplanted.
Stem cell application has been one of the most widely researched areas of interest. Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into various types of tissue under specific conditions. There are three types of stem cell: embryonic, fetal, and adult. Stem cells also have different potencies for differentiation into specific specialized tissues. Totipotent stem cells can form all of the cells and tissues that contribute...