Published online Jan 18, 2021. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v12.i1.51
Peer-review started: July 27, 2020
First decision: September 21, 2020
Revised: October 5, 2020
Accepted: October 20, 2020
Article in press: October 20, 2020
Published online: January 18, 2021
Processing time: 164 Days and 22.7 Hours
First metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis (FMTPA), also known as hallux rigidus, is the most frequent degenerative disease of the foot. Diagnosis is made through both clinical and radiological evaluation. Regenerative medicine showed promising results in the treatment of early osteoarthritis. The aim of the present study was to report the results of a case of FMTPA treated with the injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
A gentleman of 50 years of age presented with a painful hallux rigidus grade 2 resistant to any previous conservative treatment (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hyaluronic acid injections). An injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the first metatarsophalangeal joint was performed. No adverse events were reported, and both function and pain scales improved after 9 mo of follow-up.
The FMTP joint injection of mesenchymal stem cells improved symptoms and function in our patient with FMTPA at 9 mo of follow-up.
Core Tip: Recently, the use of intra-articular injections of stem cells has been proposed as a promising treatment in early osteoarthritis. In particular, autologous adipose-derived stem cells (aASCs) have attracted considerable attention, considering the easy access to fat tissue and the absence of adverse events registered. These characteristics make aASCs one of the most promising cell types used in regenerative medicine. Hallux rigidus, is the most frequent degenerative disease of the foot. Patients with hallux rigidus present a history of pain, gait discomfort, articular effusion, and a reduction in range of motion. Different types of treatment are available, both conservative and operative, but both are often ineffective. aASCs might overcome the gap between these two methods of treatment.