Bone integration in acetabular revision hip arthroplasty using equine-derived bone grafts: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: During the last decade, total hip arthroplasty has become a common procedure performed in young patients, as well as elderly ones. This has led to an increase in total hip arthroplasty revisions. Loosening of primary components with associated bone loss represents the major cause of total hip arthroplasty revision. This study evaluates the safety and performance of an enzyme-deantigenic equine-derived bone graft material in acetabular defect reconstruction. METHODS: Records of 55 patients who were treated for Paprosky type II or III acetabular bone defects with arthroplasty revisions using equine-derived bone and followed for an average of 34 months (range from 24 to 48 months) were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 55 revisions, 49 (89%) were regarded as successful, showing good osteointegration without signs of mobilization. Failures included six cases (11%) of mobilization: five cases of aseptic mobilization (9.1% of revisions, 83% of failures) and one case of septic mobilization (1.9% of revisions, 17% of failures). These results are consistent with those of studies having a similar follow-up period for allografts used in combination with trabecular metal components. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study suggest that enzyme-treated equine-derived bone grafts may be a valid alternative to autogenous and homologous bone grafts in total hip arthroplasty revision.

Clinical and instrumental evaluation of two different regimens of tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty: a single-centre, prospective, randomized study with 80 patients.

PURPOSE: The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) can significantly reduce blood losses with many clinical and economical advantages. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal regimen for TXA administration. The aim of this study is to analyse and compare the haemostatic effect of two different intravenous (IV) regimens of TXA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We planned a single-centre, prospective, randomized study including 80 patients who underwent primary unilateral minimally invasive THA because of a hip osteoarthritic degeneration. We divided patients into two groups: the G10 group received two IV doses of 10 mg/kg of TXA, and the G20 group received two doses of 20 mg/kg. RESULTS: No significant differences in mean minimum levels of Hb and HcT stratified by days after surgery were uncovered between the two groups despite the use of two different dosages of TXA. Also the mean blood volume loss was statistically similar between two groups. No differences were also observed regarding the occurrence of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: In two IV bolus regimens of TXA administration, the use of a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg provides statistically similar results in blood loss sparing. Therefore, the use of two 10 mg/kg doses could be considered more advisable in order to reduce the potential thromboembolic risks related to this drug.

Evaluation of the Effects of the Metha® Short Stem on Periprosthetic Bone Remodelling in Total Hip Arthroplasties: Results at 48 Months.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most performed procedures in orthopaedic surgery. Implantation of a prosthesis determines changes in the distribution of loads on the host bone, and this phenomenon, known as stress shielding, is related to the biomechanical characteristics of the implant. Usually stress shielding involves the proximal portion of the femur by reducing the mechanical strength and ability to withstand the transmitted loads. The aim of our study is to demonstrate how the use of a short hip stem reduces the stress shielding phenomenon to the proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed 20 patients undergoing hip prosthesis surgery with a short stem (Metha<, B. Braun Medical, Inc., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) at the Ist Orthopaedic Division of Pisa University (between December 2008 and January 2010). Each patient was subjected to analysis of periprosthetic bone mineral density by a bone densitometry (dual emission X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] with the metal removal software) at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, following a protocol based on the evaluation of the changes of bone density in the seven Gruen zones. RESULTS: We recorded minimal changes in bone mineral density (BMD) at the level of the greater trochanter (-1.44%) and at the level of the calcar (-3.7%). BMD increased significantly after four years at the level of the lateral distal regions (R2 +9.6% - R3 + 12.4%) and at the level of the distal medial regions (R5 + 8.2% - R6 + 13.1%). We compared the results obtained with the literature data at 12 and 24 months with the same stem (Metha<). At 12 months follow up, we did not see a significant difference between our data and the data published in the literature. However, after 48 months of follow-up, we recorded significant differences in the curves of periprosthetic bone reabsorption at the level of the greater trochanter (Zone 1) and at the level of the calcar (Zone 7). DISCUSSION: The data obtained from our study are in agreement with other studies in the literature, which demonstrates how the use of short stems preserves the metaphyseal bone stock at the level of the proximal femur, reducing the stress shielding phenomenon. From our data, obtained at 24 months and confirmed at 36, stress shielding seems to minimally occur at the level of the calcar. At the level of the great trochanter, we saw a good load distribution that maintained the baseline BMD; these data are in opposition to the literature data that showed a high increase of BMD at the level of the calcar (+12.9%) and a decrease at the level of the great trochanter. From the analysis of the radiographic images of our cases, and of the cases published with the same stem, these differences in load transfer encountered between the great trochanter and the calcar seems to be related to the level of the femoral neck osteotomy and the consequent stem position (varus/valgus). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the amount of periprostetic bone reabsorption around the Metha< stem seems to be strictly related to the surgical technique and the final implant position.

Hydroxyapatite in total hip arthroplasty. Our experience with a plasma spray porous titanium alloy/hydroxyapatite double-coated cementless stem.

PURPOSE: Total hip arthroplasty could fail due to many factors and one of the most common is the aseptic loosening. In order to achieve an effective osseointegration and reduce risk of lossening, the use of cemented implant, contact porous bearing surface and organic coating were developed. Aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological mid-term outcomes of a porous titanium alloy/hydroxyapatite double coating manufactured cementless femoral stem applied with "plasma spray" technique and to demonstrate the possibility to use this stem in different types of femoral canals. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2012, 240 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed using a porous titanium alloy/hydroxyapatite double coating manufactured cementless femoral stem. 182 patients were examined: 136 were females (74.7%) and 46 males (25.2%); average age was 72 years old (ranging from 26 to 92 years old). For each patient, Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and Womac Scores were collected. All X-ray images were analyzed in order to demonstrate stem survival rate and subsidence. RESULTS: Harris Hip Score was good or excellent in 85% of the cases (average 90%) and mean WOMAC score was 97.5 (ranging from 73.4 to 100). No cases of early/late infection or periprosthetic fracture were noticed, with an excellent implant survival rate (100%) in a mean period of 40 months (ranging from 24 and 84 months). 5 cases presented acute implant dislocation, 2 due to wrong cup positioning in a dysplastic acetabulum and 3 after ground level fall. Dorr classification of femoral geometry was uses and the results were: 51 type A bone, 53 type B bone and 78 type C bone. Stem subsidence over 2 mm was considered as a risk factor of future implant loosening and was evidenced in 3 female patients with type C of Dorr classification. No radiolucencies signs around the proximally coated portion of stem or proximal reabsorption were visible during the radiographic follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Concerning the use of porous titanium alloy/hydroxyapatite double coating, this study reported an excellent implant survival rate in a mid-term period with a rate of 1,64% of subsidence in patients with type C of femoral canal but with an optimal HHS and Womac Score results. Regarding this stem, primary stability is guaranteed by trapezoid shape of proximal region and tapering in frontal plane through press-fit technique. Radiological absence of pedestal has been accepted as sign of no excessive stress transmission to distal cortex due to its tapered diaphyseal region. Thanks to the reported data, Authors can consider this double coating a valid choice with an excellent medium-term survival and encouraging subsidence results. Further studies are needed to ensure these results can be replicated.

Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Different Intramedullary Nails for Pertrochanteric Fractures of the Femur.

The purpose of this prospective randomized trial was to assess whether an intramedullary nail is superior or not to another one in the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures. Eighty-one patients with a 31-A1 or A2 Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) pertrochanteric fracture were randomly allocated to fixation with either the Gamma® or the ENDOVIS® nail. In order to estimate the functional outcome the Parker-Palmer mobility score, Barthel Index, and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) were used. All patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. There was no statistical difference in Parker mobility score between groups. The statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the two patient groups as far as the operating time, the amount of blood transfused, and the latest functional outcome. Both kinds of intramedullary nails used in our study provide effective methods of treatment for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Our data showed slightly worse results for the ENDOVIS nail compared with the Gamma nail, but this did not reach a statistical significance.

Clinical and radiological results over the medium term of isolated acetabular revision.

Acetabular cup loosening is associated with pain, reduced function, and instability of the implant. If such event happens while the femoral implant is in a satisfactory position and is well fixed to the bone, isolated acetabular revision surgery is indicated. The aim of this single-center retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results over the medium term (12-month follow-up mean 36, max 60) of isolated acetabular revisions surgery using a porous hemispheric revision shell matched with a cemented all-poly cup and large diameter femoral head (>32). 33 patients were enrolled. We collect any relevant data from the clinical board. Routine clinical and radiographic examinations were performed preoperatively; the postoperative follow-up was made at 1, 3, and 6 months and yearly thereafter. At the last available follow-up, we report satisfactory improvement of functional scores in all the patients; 2 patients (6.1%) showed thigh pain and only 4 hips (12.11%) presented mild groin pain; all the femoral components are well fixed and there were no potential or pending rerevisions. With bias due to the follow-up and to the retrospective design of the study, we report clinical, functional, and radiological satisfactory results.

Custom-fit total knee arthroplasty: our initial experience with 30 knees.

We report our initial experience of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using customized cutting block technology in 30 TKAs from December 2010 to September 2012. Customized blocks were generated for each of the knees using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of knee and long-leg weight-bearing radiographs. At 30 days, long-leg radiographs were obtained to evaluate the coronal alignment. Twenty-six of the 30 knees had a mechanical axis restored to within 3° of neutral. We conclude that this technology can be safely used in most of the cases of osteoarthritis.

Acromio-clavicular repair using two different techniques.

Acromio-clavicular joint (ACJ) injuries represent nearly half of all athletic shoulder injuries. Stability of this joint depends on the integrity of the acromio-clavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Although the traumatic acromioclavicular joint separation is a well-known topic, there are different classifications, diagnostic procedures, concepts of intervention, and a great variety of implants. In this paper, we present an overview of the recent literature about this issue and the results of a retrospective non-randomized study with 2 different techniques. At the first Orthopedic Department of University of Pisa, a retrospective study was performed starting from January 2007 to February 2011 in our electronic database. We selected patient treated with two different techniques (tight-rope(®) system and hook plate) by the same senior surgeon with experience in shoulder surgery. The mean Costant score was 90 for the tight-rope(®) system group and 75 for the hook plate group. At the final follow-up, most of the patients had returned to their preinjury level of activity. Two patients had a breakage of the fixating system. The above-mentioned techniques provided satisfactory results with no loss of reduction except in two cases. The use of the hook plate is useful in fracture-dislocation of ACJ, but this requires another surgery to remove it. On the contrary, the use of the tight-rope(®) system does not require a new surgery or use of expensive synthetic graft or a graft harvested from a distant donor site.

Case report: late subtrochanteric fracture post radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma.

Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumor especially affecting young males generally treated with radiofrequency ablation. This is a non-invasive and safe procedure, major complications are very rare, most of them consisting in local skin burns. The present case shows a late subtrochanteric fracture in a young boy after CT guided termoablation of osteoid osteoma of proximal femur and short review of the literature.

Densitometric evaluation of periprosthetic bone remodeling.

The application of Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in orthopaedic surgery gradually has been extended from the study of osteoporosis to different areas of interest like the study of the relation between bone and prosthetic implants. Aim of this review is to analyze changes that occur in periprosthetic bone after the implantation of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In THA the pattern of adaptive bone remodeling with different cementless femoral stems varies and it appears to be strictly related to the design and more specifically to where the femoral stem is fixed on bone. Short stems with metaphyseal fixation allow the maintenance of a more physiologic load transfer to the proximal femur decreasing the entity of bone loss. Femoral bone loss after TKA seems to be related to the stress shielding induced by the implants while tibial bone remodeling seems to be related to postoperative changes in knee alignment (varus/valgus) and consequently in tibial load transfer. After both THA and TKA stress shielding seems to be an inevitable phenomenon that occurs mainly in the first year after surgery.

Computer tomography prototyping and virtual procedure simulation in difficult cases of hip replacement surgery.

Each year approximately 1 million total hip replacements (THR) are performed worldwide. A percentage of failure due to surgical approach and imprecise implant placement still exists. These result in several serious complications. We propose an approach to plan, to simulate, and to assist prosthesis implantation for difficult cases of THR based on 3-D virtual models, generated by segmenting patients' CT images, 3-D solid models, obtained by rapid prototyping (RP), and virtual procedure simulation. We carried out 8 THR with the aid of 3-D reconstruction and RP. After each procedure a questionnaire was submitted to the surgeon to assess the perceived added value of the technology. In all cases, the surgeon evaluated the 3-D model as useful in order to perform the planning. The clinical results showed a mean increase in the Harris Hip Score of about 42.5 points. The mean time of prototyping was 7.3 hours, (min 3.5 hours, max 9.3 hours). The mean surgery time was 65 minutes (min 50 minutes, max 88 minutes). Our study suggests that meticulous preoperative planning is necessary in front of a great aberration of the joint and in absence of normal anatomical landmarks, CT scan is mandatory, and 3-D reconstruction with solid model is useful.

The dual radius hemispherical 'Trident" cup: results based on 150 consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: Initial stability with press-fit cups can be achieved in a number of ways based on the design of the cup. With line-to-line fit, screws fixation, press-fit of 1 to 2 mm which is obtained by an oversized hemispherical cup, initial stability can be achieved with the dual-radius press-fit cups, which have an equatorial diameter 1 to 2 mm greater than that of the polar diameter, to ensure a good press-fit and to provide adequate initial stability for bone ingrowth to occur reliably. METHODS: Between January 2002 and January 2008, 400 total hip replacements (THRs) were carried out. We examined the first 150 consecutive primary THRs. In all hips, the acetabular component was the dual radius Trident AD shell (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, New Jersey). RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 6,2 yrs (range, 5 to 7 yrs). The median post-operative Harris Hip Score for 150 hips was 90.5 (range, 51 to 98). At the time of the latest follow-up, there was a bony incorporation of all components; we found no definite evidence of radiographic loosening and no signs of radiolucency. CONCLUSION: According to the encouraging results of the present study we conclude that the Trident cup is a valid choice for acetabular replacement.

Early experience about Anteversa(®) plate for lateral femur fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The hip fractures appear to be a real epidemic problem, especially in the western world, due primarily to higher average age. The social and economical impact is considerable with a continue social and health costs up-rising. The female-male ratio is approximately 8:1. PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to present a system of osteosynthesis for fractures of the lateral femoral neck. This system is a plate developed by INTRAUMA O'nil(®), 3-hole plate with an 130° angle of valgus and 7° of anteversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the I Orthopedic Department at the University of Pisa from January 2009 to February 2012 were treated 52 fractures of the femur neck side with this system. All patients undergone to a clinical and X-ray evaluation according to the AO classification: 14 31-A1, 7 31-A2, 4 31-A3. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 10 months, in all cases we did not have cut-outs with a TAD average of 23 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This system offers the possibility to perform surgery quickly with low risk of cut-out thanks to 7° of anteversion. Ensures optimal fixation to the femoral shaft and an equitable distribution of forces, eliminating the risk of breakage of the implant and loosening of the screws.

Robotic-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Reduces Components' Positioning Differences among High- and Low-Volume Surgeons.

Robotic-assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA) has been introduced to improve accuracy in implant positioning and limb alignment, overcoming the reported high failure rates of conventional UKA. Indeed, mUKA is a technically challenging procedure strongly related to surgeons' skills and expertise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the likelihood of robotic-assisted surgery in reducing the variability of coronal and sagittal component positioning between high- and low-volume surgeons. We evaluated a prospective cohort of 161 robotic mUKA implanted between May 2018 and December 2019 at two high-volume robotic centers. Patients were divided into two groups: patients operated by "high-volume" (group A) or "low-volume" (group B) surgeons. We recorded intraoperative lower-limb alignment, component positioning, and surgical timing. Postoperatively, every patient underwent a radiographical protocol to assess coronal and sagittal femoral/tibial component alignment. Range of motion and other clinical outcomes were assessed pre- and 12 months postoperatively by using oxford knee score, forgotten joint score, and visual analog scale. Of 161 recruited knees, 149 (A: 101; B: 48) were available for radiographic analysis at 1 month, and clinical evaluation at 12 months. No clinical difference neither difference in mechanical alignment nor coronal/sagittal component positioning were found (p > 0.05). A significant difference was recorded in surgical timing (A: 57 minutes; B: 86 minutes; p < 0.05). No superficial or deep infections or other major complications have been developed during the follow-up. Robotics surgery in mUKA confirmed its value in improving the reproducibility of such technical procedure, with satisfactory clinical outcomes. Moreover, it almost eliminates any possible differences in component positioning, and lower limb alignment among low-and high- volume knee surgeons.

Intraoperative Load Sensing in Total Knee Arthroplasty Leads to a Functional but Not Clinical Difference: A Comparative, Gait Analysis Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Although Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful procedure, a significant number of patients are still unsatisfied, reporting instability at the mid-flexion range (Mid-Flexion Instability-MFI). To avoid this complication, many innovations, including load sensors (LS), have been introduced. The intraoperative use of LS may facilitate the balance of the knee during the entire range of motion to avoid MFI postoperatively. The objective of this study was to perform a Gait Analysis (GA) evaluation of a series of patients who underwent primary TKA using a single LS technology. METHODS: The authors matched and compared two groups of patients treated with the same posterior stabilized TKA design. In Group A, 10 knees were intraoperatively balanced with LS technology, while 10 knees (Group B) underwent standard TKA. The correct TKA alignment was preoperatively determined aiming for a mechanical alignment. Clinical evaluation was performed according to the WOMAC, Knee Society Score (KSS) and Forgotten Joint Score, while functional evaluation was performed using a state-of-the-art GA platform. RESULTS: We reported excellent clinical results in both groups without any statistical difference in patient reported outcome measurements (PROMs); from a functional standpoint, several GA space-time parameters were closer to normal in the sensor group when compared to the standard group, but a statistically significant difference was not reached. CONCLUSIONS: Gait Analysis represents a valid method to evaluate TKA kinematics. This study, with its limitations, showed that pressure sensitive technology represents a valid aid for surgeons aiming to improve the postoperative stability of TKA; however, other factors (i.e., level of intra-articular constraint and alignment) may play a major role in reproducing the normal knee biomechanics.

Impending atypical femoral fractures associated with bisphosphonates: postoperative diagnosis after hip prosthesis. Clinical cases presentation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Number of hip prosthesis implants in arthritis, number of patients treated with bisphosphonates to prevent fragility fractures and, together, number of atypical femoral fracture's cases are increasing. CASE SERIES: This article describes two cases of hip arthritis, treated with hip replacement, in patients using bisphosphonates for a long time; in both cases an incomplete atypical femoral fracture was misdiagnosed before the surgery. Authors describe the importance to carry out a complete osteometabolic and radiographic pre-operative examination of patients in treatment with bisphosphonates going to hip replacement, to check the possible presence of incomplete atypical femoral fracture and to optimize surgical and pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In hip prosthesis surgery, prior diagnosis of incomplete atypical femoral fractures can indicate the choice of a different kind of prosthesis stem to optimize surgical results. This can also positively impact to rehabilitation in term of duration and daily activities recovery.

Bibliometric trend analysis in a decade of European Orthopaedic literature.

Purpose The purpose of this bibliometric study was to summarize European orthopedic literature produced by EFORT memberships between 2009 and 2019 and to identify the 100 most cited articles, analyzing the characteristics that made them so interesting for the orthopedic scientific world. Method A search of the literature was conducted using Clarivate Analytics Web of Science in the subject category "orthopaedics"; then the results were summarized using Web of Science tools. Results A total of 160.375 articles were found: most of these were produced by England. In particular the most prolific institution was the University of London. Analyzing in detail the 100 most cited publications emerged that most of them were review published in journal with high impact factor (Q1). The University of Oxford was the institution with the greatest number of contributions (13%). The most cited topics were osteoarthritis (24%), followed by orthopedic basic science (22%). Biomaterials was the most common topic by ordering the 100 analyzed articles according to "usage count", a recent indicator of the level of interest in a specific item. Conclusion This bibliometric study can be useful to identify topics of interest for future scientific research and to outline the features that make some publications more interesting than others.

Use of a Plasma-Sprayed Titanium-Hydroxyapatite Femoral Stem in Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Older than 70 Years. Is Cementless Fixation a Reliable Option in the Elderly?

BACKGROUND: Although cementless implants are increasing in popularity, the use of cementless femoral stems for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hip hemiarthroplasty (HH) in elderly patients remains controversial. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of a cementless stem used in a large multicentric cohort of elderly patients receiving elective THA and HH for displaced femoral neck fracture. METHODS: A total of 293 patients (301 hips) aged 70 years or older (mean age, 78 years; range, 70-93) who received the same cementless plasma-sprayed porous titanium-hydroxyapatite stem were retrospectively evaluated after primary THA and HH to investigate stem survival, complications, and clinical and radiographic results. RESULTS: Cumulative stem survival was 98.5% (95% CI, 96.4-99.4%; 91 hips at risks) with revision due to any reason as the end-point at 10-year follow-up (mean 8.6 years, range 4-12). No stem was revised due to aseptic loosening. The mean Forgotten Joint Score was 98.7. Radiographically, the implants showed complete osseointegration, with slight stress-shieling signs in less than 10% of the hips. CONCLUSION: The use of cementless stems was proven to be a reliable and versatile option even in elderly patients for elective THA and HH for femoral neck fracture.

The New Challenge in the Management of Proximal Femur Fractures during SARS Cov-2 outbreak.

The aim of this study is to evaluate how the spread of Sars-Cov-2 has changed the epidemiology of proximal femur fractures in two major trauma centers in Italy, understanding the workload and the best allocation of the resources for the orthopedics department in such an emergency situation. The rate of patients from January 2019 to April 2020 hospitalized with femoral neck fractures (group A) and trochanteric fractures (group B) were recorded. Demographic data, timing of surgical treatment and the length of stay were recorded. Data show that the number of proximal femur fractures has remained unchanged in the COVID and pre-COVID era (ranging from an average of 91.14/month in the pre-COVID era to 76/month in March and 80/month in April). In our trauma centers, the rate of patients operated on within 48 hours has remained stable (78.19% vs 77.92%), while the length of stay has decreased during the COVID period (8.9 days vs 6.5 days in March and 6.8 days in April). Proximal femur fractures, even during the COVID period, are a constant issue and a new challenge for the healthcare system. The main goals of management are to preserve patients from viral infection, to provide early surgical treatment and fast track protocol for discharge.

Mesangiogenic Progenitor Cells Are Tissue Specific and Cannot Be Isolated From Adipose Tissue or Umbilical Cord Blood.

Mesangiogenic progenitor cells (MPCs) have been isolated from human bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells. They attracted particular attention for the ability to differentiate into exponentially growing mesenchymal stromal cells while retaining endothelial differentiative potential. MPC power to couple mesengenesis and angiogenesis highlights their tissue regenerative potential and clinical value, with particular reference to musculoskeletal tissues regeneration. BM and adipose tissue represent the most promising adult multipotent cell sources for bone and cartilage repair, although discussion is still open on their respective profitability. Culture determinants, as well as tissues of origin, appeared to strongly affect the regenerative potential of cell preparations, making reliable methods for cell isolation and growth a prerequisite to obtain cell-based medicinal products. Our group had established a definite consistent protocol for MPC culture, and here, we present data showing MPCs to be tissue specific.