Utilizing mesenchymal stem cells to improve the healing process of the medial collateral ligament in the knee

Abstract

The healing process of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the knee is often slow, resulting in adverse outcomes such as scar tissue formation, joint instability, limited range of motion, and an increased risk of re-injury. Consequently, novel therapeutic strategies are imperative to enhance MCL healing. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising treatment modality due to their robust proliferative ability, reparative potential, and ability to differentiate into various cell types. Although preclinical studies have shown encouraging results for MSC-based approaches in MCL injuries, clinical studies in the orthopedic literature remain scarce. This review provides an overview of the MCL, conventional treatments for MCL injuries, and recent advances in MSC research for augmenting MCL healing. MSC-based approaches hold promise as a future therapeutic option to improve MCL healing. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to establish the effective ness and safety of this emerging treatment modality.