Screen-enrich-combine circulating system to prepare MSC/ß-TCP for bone repair in fractures with depressed tibial plateau.

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell/ß-tricalcium phosphate composites (MSC/ß-TCP) prepared with a screen-enrich-combine circulating system (SECCS) in patients with depressed tibial plateau fractures. Materials & methods: Bone defects in depressed tibial plateaus were filled with MSC/ß-TCP (n = 16) or with ß-TCP only (n = 23). Enrichment efficiency and effect of enrichment on cell viability were evaluated. Clinical results were assessed by imaging examination and Lysholm score. Results: SECCS effectively integrated MSCs with ß-TCP. At 18 months postimplantation, new bone ratio was significantly higher in patients treated with MSC/ß-TCP than in those treated with ß-TCP only (p = 0.000). Patients with MSC/ß-TCP implants had better functional recovery (p = 0.028). Conclusion: MSC/ß-TCP prepared by SECCS were effective in the treatment of bone defects in patients with depressed tibial plateau fractures, promoted bone regeneration and improved joint function recovery.