Clinical Evaluation of Ultrasonicated ADSCs in Atrophic Non-Union of Long Bones

BackgroundNon-union is a common clinical complication that causes serious limb debilities and eventually leads to permanent limb impairments if not treated on time. This proof-of-concept study was undertaken to evaluate the osteogenic potential of autologous adipose derived stromal cells (ADSCs) in long bone non-union. MethodsSeven patients with long-standing atrophic non-union of long bones were treated with percutaneous implantation of a minimum of 100 million ADSC and platelet-rich plasma containing a minimum of 10 billion platelets into the non-union site of long bones under fluoroscopic guidance. Besides radiological imaging for evidence of consolidation, patients were also followed up for clinical parameters, standard lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and SF12 scores. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year, & Intervention was considered a failure if no evidence of healing was observed up to 6 months post-procedure ResultsWe observed union in 6 of 7 (86%) patients within 4 months after the procedure. The first evidence of healing was visible within 8 weeks after treatment in five (71%) patients. ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the efficacy of ADSCs as a better alternative to bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in treating long bone non-union. Level of EvidenceLevel 3 Trial RegistrationThis study has been registered in the US Clinical Trial Registry (U.S. National Library of Medicine) with Trial registration no. NCT04340284. Titled as "Adipose Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) Application in treatment of Long Bone nonunion" https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04340284?term=NCT04340284&draw=2&rank=1 Date of registration 09/04/2020