Background: The study aimed to assess long-term clinical outcomes of cartilage lesion treatment with blood stem cells. The analysis of complications of this method was an additional aim.
Material and methods: The study group comprised 52 patients with ICRS grade III or IV lesions of 4 to 12 cm2. The assessment was carried out at one and six years following the surgery with the use of KOOS and Lysholm scales and VAS and KOOS Pain scales.
Results: No postoperative infections were reported. Poor outcomes were noted in 2 patients at 12 months following the surgery. Scores improved in across all scales with an average improvement of 23 points in the KOOS scale and 35 points in the Lysholm scale at one year. At 6 years, minor deterioration was reported in 2 more patients.
Conclusions: 1. The reconstruction of large cartilage lesions with peripheral blood stem cells is an effective treatment modality. 2. This method is a valuable alternative to autologous chondrocyte transplantation.