Table 6 Stem cells for OA treatment: clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials

BMSCs

i.a.

15

(versus HA)

1 year

improved function,

higher cartilage quality (MRI)

Vega et al. 2015

BMSCs (HA)

i.a.

(meniscectomy)

18

(low versus high MSCs dose versus HA)

2 years

pain improvement,

meniscus regeneration (MRI)

Vangsness et al. 2014

BMSCs

(HA)

i.a.

(osteotomy and microfracture)

28

(versus HA)

2 years

clinical improvements,

higher cartilage quality (MRI)

Wong et al. 2013

BMCs

(matrix/PEMF)

surgical delivery

(collagen matrix)

15

(versus matrix)

1 year

improved recovery

Cadossi et al. 2014

PBSCs

(HA)

i.a.

(drilling)

25

(versus HA)

2 years

improved cartilage quality (MRI)

Saw et al. 2013

ASVF

surgical delivery

(microfracture)

40

(versus microfracture)

2 years

clinical improvements,

higher cartilage quality (MRI)

Koh et al. 2016

ASVF

(PRP)

i.a.

(osteotomy)

21

(versus PRP)

2 years

clinical improvements,

fibrocartilage coverage

Koh et al. 2014