Rapid isolation of human stem cells (connective tissue progenitor cells) from the proximal humerus during arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery.
BACKGROUND
Bone-to-tendon healing in the shoulder can be unpredictable. Biologic augmentation, through the implementation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, may improve this healing process.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to (1) arthroscopically obtain bone marrow aspirates from the proximal humerus during rotator cuff repair, (2) purify and concentrate the connective tissue progenitor cells (CTPs) in the operating room efficiently, and (3)confirm these are stem cells through their ability to differentiate into bone cells. We hypothesize that CTPs can be quickly and efficiently isolated from bone marrow during arthroscopic surgery and that these cells are capable of osteogenesis.


METHODS
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3; and Descriptive laboratory study.


METHODS
Bone marrow aspirates were harvested through the anchor tunnel of the humeral head during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 23 patients. Twenty-three matched controls were selected from a clinical registry to evaluate for increased incidence of complication. Connective tissue progenitor cells were isolated using 2 accepted methods and compared with a novel, rapid method designed for use in the operating room. Osteogenic potential was assessed by cytochemical and molecular analysis.


RESULTS
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and cellular staining confirmed the osteogenic potential of these CTPs. There was no statistical significant difference in the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (aspirate, 86.3 +/- 10.5; control, 83.6 +/- 15.1; P = .54), range of motion measures (postoperative external rotation: aspirate, 65.0 degrees +/- 20.4 degrees ; control, 62.5 degrees +/- 17.1 degrees ; P = .67; postoperative forward elevation: aspirate, 163.0 degrees +/- 30.6 degrees ; control, 145.7 degrees +/- 41.4 degrees ; P = .12), or postoperative strength measures between groups (median, 5; range, 4-5 in the aspirate group compared with median, 5; range, 4-5 in the control group; P > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Connective tissue progenitor cells can be safely and efficiently aspirated from the proximal humerus using the anchor tunnel created during arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. These cells may play an important role in cell-based therapies involving rotator cuff repair.


CONCLUSIONS
We have established a reliable, reproducible protocol for isolating CTPs in the operating room. These cells may have the potential to enhance the healing process after rotator cuff repair.
Mazzocca
Augustus D
AD
University of Connecticut, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Farmington, CT 06034, USA. mazzocca@uchc.edu
McCarthy
Mary Beth R
MB
Chowaniec
David M
DM
Cote
Mark P
MP
Arciero
Robert A
RA
Drissi
Hicham
H
D001182:Arthroscopy; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003239:Connective Tissue Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000166:cytology*; D008297:Male; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010012:Osteogenesis; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012038:Regeneration; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome