Osteochondral defects of the talus treated by mesenchymal stem cell implantation--early results.

The purpose of this study was to present early results of talus cartilage defects treatment with autologous mesenchymal stem cells CD34+ implantation technique. Nine (9) patients were treated, due to IV degree chondromalation (by ICRS). The applied standard procedure included: clinical examination, AP and lateral x-ray, MRI, preoperative, as well as during control examination. The surgical procedure consisted of the defect's debridement, harvesting and fixation of the periosteal flap and CD34+ implantation. Clinical results were assessed after 6 months to 3 years by clinical examination, Magee score and MRI. Good and very good clinical results were obtained and confirmed by MRI in 8 cases. In one case, cartilage hypertrophy was noted. There were no delamination and infection signs.