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4 
Copyright © by Indiana State University                                                                                Clinical Practice in Athletic Training  
All rights reserved. ISSN Online 2577-8188                                                                              Volume 3 – Issue 1 – April 2020 
 

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Sources, Clinical Applications and 
Outcomes for Common Musculoskeletal Conditions 
Steven Boyton, MS, ATC, OTC; Lindsey Clemensen, MEd, ATC, OTC 
Flagstaff Bone and Joint, Flagstaff, AZ 
 

 
 
Full Citation 
Boyton S, Clemenson L. Mesenchymal stem cells: 
sources, clinical applications and outcomes for common 
musculoskeletal conditions. Clin Pract Athl Train. 
2020;3(1):4-5. 
https://doi.org/10.31622/2020/0003.2.    
 
Presented at the 3rd Annual Athletic Trainers in the 
Physician Practice Society Meeting and Conference, 
Columbia South Carolina. February 28-29, 2020  
  

ABSTRACT 

Background: The clinical use of Mesenchymal 
Stems Cells (MSC) in musculoskeletal medicine has 
become increasingly recognized in the medical 
field as a promising treatment modality. MSCs 
have been defined as spindle shaped cells that 
are capable of rapid proliferation and self-
renewal contained within several tissues including 
bone marrow, synovial and adipose tissue, blood 
and periosteum. MSCs are currently being used in 
clinical trials for musculoskeletal purposes 
including the enhancement of tissue regeneration, 
bone and cartilage defects and tissue repair. 
Currently a variety of stem cell products, methods 
and applications are being used which can 
provide many misconceptions for the most 
appropriate use of this modality in orthopedics. 
The decision for the functionally relevant cell type 
is important to understand for providers to have 
the most effective outcomes.  
Methods: Common methods of evaluating the 
effect of MSCs in orthopedics include patient 
rated outcomes, advanced imaging comparisons, 
arthroscopic evaluation after treatment and gene 
expression analysis. A comprehensive literature 
review was conducted to evaluate the most high-
level evidence available for MSC’s being utilized 
in orthopedics. This is important to understand for 

clinicians to make informed decisions for the most 
appropriate clinical applications of MSCs.  
Conclusion: Despite the many positive outcomes 
being demonstrated with MSC therapies, in the 
literature for various orthopedic conditions, the 
magnitude of these positive effects have been 
diverse due to the lack of standardization of the 
MSC cell product. Further research is required to 
provide an insight into long term outcomes relative 
to other treatment modalities. Additionally, 
research must also determine if the use of MSC 
therapies can become a viable treatment option 
for musculoskeletal pathologies in orthopedic 
practices to use with standardized products and 
processing methods. 
Clinical Bottom Line: The literature for MSC 
therapy outcomes that have been observed in 
clinical trials have been lacking standardization 
with regards to how stem cells are being 
obtained, processed and utilized for 
musculoskeletal conditions. Further research is 
required to provide an insight into long term 
outcomes relative to other treatment modalities. 
Additionally, research must also determine if the 
use of MSC therapies can become a viable 
treatment option for musculoskeletal pathologies 
in orthopedic practices to use with standardized 
products and processing methods. 
 
 
Correspondence 
Steven Boyton, 2292 Hano Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86005. 
E-mail: sboyton@flagstaffboneandjoint.com   
 
REFERENCES 

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https://doi.org/10.31622/2020/0003.2
mailto:sboyton@flagstaffboneandjoint.com


Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Sources, Clinical Applications and Outcomes for Common Musculoskeletal Conditions 
 

 

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Copyright © by Indiana State University                                                                                Clinical Practice in Athletic Training  
All rights reserved. ISSN Online 2577-8188                                                                               Volume 3 – Issue 1 – April 2-20  

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-013-1393-9
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.099



