RESUMO
The use of cell technologies, in particular the stromal-vascular fraction of adipose tissue, is a new direction in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the weight-bearing joints. Stromal-vascular fraction cells have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and are able to differentiate into connective tissue cells, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Our clinical study showed the safety and good tolerability of intra-articular administration of autologous stromal-vascular fraction cells in 16 patients with severe manifestations of osteoarthritis. Single administration of stromal-vascular fraction cells led to more pronounced and stable (up to 12 months) clinical improvement in the main symptoms of the disease, including pain and functional activity of the affected joints, in comparison with intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (10 patients of the comparison group).