Forum Examines Stem Cells in Orthopaedics (AAOS 2014)
The ability of stem cells to divide and become more specialized cells—such as bone, blood, or muscle—makes them attractive agents in many areas of medicine. Additionally, the ability to harvest stem cells from an individual and reimplant them in the same individual, thus potentially reducing or eliminating the risk of infection, makes stem cell therapy appealing to both patients and physicians.
During Monday’s AAOS Now-sponsored Forum on “Stem Cells in Orthopaedics: Myth, Miracle, or Something In-Between,” an international group of clinicians, scientists, and regulators examined the research behind orthopaedic applications of stem cells and addressed the clinical and ethical issues surrounding the growth of this treatment option. Presenters covered areas ranging from basic science to stem cell use in regenerative medicine, nonunions and fractures, and spine and sports medicine.
What is a stem cell?
“Although there are many different definitions of a stem cell,” said Pamela G. Robey, PhD, acting director of the National Institute of Health Stem Cell Unit in the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “all share t...
