Scientists Grow Limb Joints with Stem Cells

posted on Jul 29 by Amelia in the Disability News, Technology category

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have been able to regrow failing limb joints inside rabbits using their own stem cells. Utilizing a naturally occurring substance called growth factor, the animals were able to regenerate cartilage and bone to create a new joint. Within a month, the rabbits were moving around normally and able to bear the same weight as other animals.

A computer helped create artificial scaffolds that were anatomically the same size and shape as rabbit leg joints. They were infused with the growth factor and implanted into 10 rabbits after their own leg joints had been removed. The stem cells went to the location of the missing joint and regenerated cartilage and bone in two separate layers.

Previous studies were similarly successful by doctors that injected stem cells into the location, but this is the first time that scientists have regenerated a limb joint using harvested stem cells or the animal’s own stem cells. It’s also the first time that an entire joint has been rebuilt with complete use of function.

The study was completed by Professor Jeremy Mao and his team at the Columbia University Medical Centre in New York along with colleagues from the University of Missouri and Clemson University in South Carolina.

Prof Mao said: “This is the first time an entire joint surface was regenerated with return of functions including weight bearing and locomotion. Regeneration of cartilage and bone both from the host’s own stem cells, rather than taking stem cells out of the body, may ultimately lead to clinical applications.”

The research will be most beneficial to non-elderly patients when it comes time for human trials to occur. This is due to the months of rehabilitation it would take for the elderly including movement, months of physiotherapy, and bed rest for the joint to grow.  Hip replacements last 15-25 years and can currently be done where elderly patients are able to walk out of the hospital after hip replacement surgery.