Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Autologous bone marrow aspiration (20 ml) from iliac crest. Separation of mononuclear cells using ficoll hypaque and culture in 10% fetal bovine serum and Dulbecco modified eagles medium. After confluent stage, detachment of cells with trypsin/EDTA, and subculture. Repeated passages until obtainment of required cell number. Confluent cells of last passage are washed with tyrode solution and incubate with M199 for 60 minutes. Cells are separated using trypsin/EDTA and washed 3 times with M199 and 1% HSA. Precipitate will be diluted with heparinized M199 to make solution with 6×106 cells /ml. Sample will be tested for viability and detection of CD45, CD34, CD90, CD44, CD13, CD105, and CD166 before injection. The number of cells for injection will be between 20-25 million cells; in a maximum volume of 4-6 ml. Cells will be injected in the knee joint with a 21 gauge needle.