title: Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the sports knee: where are we in 2011?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The relationship between biological tissue healing following knee injury or surgery and long-term clinical outcome has come to the forefront of sports medicine practice. This has led many knee surgeons to incorporate biologically mediated healing factors into the management of knee injuries. In particular, the clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells has opened new horizons.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant studies were identified through a search of PubMed from January 2000 to April 2011, combining the term mesenchymal stem cells with articular cartilage, anterior cruciate ligament, and meniscus. Relevant citations from the reference lists of selected studies were also reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Knee injury treatment with mesenchymal stem cells shows potential. Most reports represent animal model studies; few advances have been translated to human clinical applications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mesenchymal stem cell use to promote healing following knee injury is likely to increase. There are scientific methodological concerns and ethical and legal issues regarding mesenchymal stem cell use for treating knee injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors.forename: Lee Yee Han
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Dave
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nyland
authors.forename: Paul B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: McKee
authors.forename: David N M
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Caborn