Application of infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells after surgical reconstruction of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in a dog

Abstract

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been utilized in regenerative and anti-inflammatory therapies. Among the various sources of ASCs, infrapatellar fat pad-derived adipose stem cells (IFP-ASCs) have been proposed as an alternative source for treating orthopedic diseases in humans; however, their clinical application remains limited. Furthermore, clinical reports on the use of IFP-ASCs are scarce in veterinary medicine. The present report describes the first clinical application of IFP-ASCs in a dog following surgical reconstruction of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). After intra-articular injections of IFP-ASCs adjunctive to surgical stabilization, reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels and improvements in clinical orthopedic scores were observed without any adverse effects. This case suggests that autologous IFP-ASC treatment after surgical CCL reconstruction may be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for canine joint disorders.