Clinical outcome after intra-articular administration of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in 33 horses with stifle injury.

This research focuses on the clinical outcomes of administering bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) intra-articularly in horses with stifle joint injuries. The study indicates BMSC treatment, as an adjunct to surgery, may improve the chance of return to work for horses with such kind of injuries.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The study aimed to analyze the effects of using autologous BMSCs, derived from the horses own bone marrow, for treating intra-articular stifle injuries involving meniscus, cartilage, or ligaments.
• A total of 33 horses, diagnosed with lameness localized to the stifle and were treated with BMSCs postoperatively, were roped in for this prospective case series study.
• Detailed case information and follow-up data were collected from various sources including medical records, owner, trainer or veterinarian.
• The success of treatment was measured based on whether the horses returned to previous level of work, returned to work at some level, or failed to return to work.

Results of the Study

• After an average follow-up period of 24 months, it was found that 43% of the horses returned to their previous level of work, 33% returned to some level of work, while 24% failed to return to work.
• In the subset of horses with meniscal damage (n = 24), 75% returned to some level of work post-treatment. This outcome was significantly better compared to results from previous reports, which showed a success rate of 60-63% for cases treated with arthroscopy alone.
• Post injection joint flare was reported in 3 horses (9%), however, there were no observed long-term effects.

Conclusion of the Study

• The intra-articular administration of BMSCs postoperatively for treating stifle injuries was deemed safe, with the level of morbidity similar to that of other biologic agents.”
• The researchers concluded that the addition of BMSC treatment could potentially enhance the capacity to return to work for horses with injuries in the stifle joint, in comparison to those undergoing surgical treatment alone.