SVF in osteochondral lesions of the talus

Cohort study carried out in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus. Fifty ankles treated with bone marrow stimulation were compared: 26 received only the conventional procedure and 24 also received an injection of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal cells. The patients treated with SVF showed better results on pain, function and activity scales, as well as a better assessment of the repaired tissue by magnetic resonance imaging.

The combination of bone marrow stimulation and SVF was associated with better clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results than bone marrow stimulation alone in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Non-randomized study with a relatively small sample size. The stromal vascular fraction was used in conjunction with bone marrow stimulation, so the results do not allow the independent determination of the effect of the cellular therapy. Controlled and randomized studies are necessary to confirm these results.

This study provides clinical evidence on the use of cells present in the vascular fraction derived from adipose tissue as a complement to a surgical procedure for the treatment of osteochondral injuries of the ankle. It is relevant within the field of regenerative medicine applied to articular and cartilage injuries.