Stem cells in Orthopaedics – Le cellule staminali in Ortopedia

Basic sciences, and particularly the study of stem cells, have led to the development of new therapeutic approaches in orthopaedic and traumatic diseases afflicting articular cartilage, bone and meniscal tissue. Regarding bone tissues, some clinical conditions, such as pseudoarthrosis, have proven to benefit fromthe application of bone marrow concentrates. Regarding the repair of articular cartilage lesions, several natural or synthetic substrates have been proposed, capable of caging the mesenchymal cell population and directing it to a chondrocytic differentiation. Studies conducted on small animals have demonstrated the regenerative power also on meniscal tissue; support materials, able to guide the regeneration of the meniscus after clinical implantation, are currently in use. In conclusion, basic techniques represent the future options for the repair of the most complex lesions of articular cartilage, bone and meniscal tissue, in order to provide the best available treatment to the patient.