Bio ACL Reconstruction Amnion Collagen Matrix Wrap and Stem Cells (BioACLRCT)

Pilot Study: Augmentation of ACL Reconstruction With Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Amnion Collagen Matrix Wrap

Collagen based -membrane derived from amniotic tissue can be used to help reestablish the natural synovial lining of the reconstructed ACL, in effect acting as both a barrier from the synovial fluid and as a scaffold to contain autologous mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors contiguous with the graft, thus aiding and perhaps accelerating the natural maturation and ligamentization process of the implanted graft tissue. Acceleration and improvement in graft maturation and strength would be a significant advancement in sports medicine allowing safer and earlier return to sports and activity

Histologic studies have determined that graft ligamentization following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction may take from 6 to 18 months. (1) It has been reported that incomplete graft maturation and incorporation is one cause of clinical graft failure. Animal studies have illustrated improved tendon healing/integration in ACL models augmented with stem cell technologies. (2-4). Basic scientists theorize that optimization of stem cell treatments for tissue regeneration requires that a "regenerative triad" be employed, i.e., use of a scaffold, stem cells and growth factors. In the intra-articular environment, research has shown that a scaffold such as an amnion wrap is necessary to contain the stem cells and growth factors in close proximity to the ACL graft. (2, 4, 5) The normal, uninjured human ACL is covered by a layer of synovial tissue which contributes to the blood supply and nutrition of the native ACL. It is theorized that the lack of a synovial lining after injury and following traditional ACL reconstruction contributes to slow ligamentization and possible failure of reconstructed grafts.(5) Two studies have demonstrated accelerated maturation and ligamentization of human ACL graft augmented with point of care blood products. (6, 7) In one, leucocyte poor platelet rich plasma was injected directly into the body of the graft. (6) In the other, the platelet derived growth factors were loaded in a gelatin carrier which was wrapped around the graft. (7) In both studies accelerated and increased ligament maturation was documented compared to the controls. Collagen membranes derived from amniotic tissue have been successful to aid healing when used in difficult wounds and meniscal repair surgery. (8, 9) The use of a collagen based -membrane derived from amniotic tissue may be used to help reestablish the natural synovial lining of the reconstructed ACL, in effect acting as both a barrier from the synovial fluid and as a scaffold to contain autologous mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors contiguous with the graft. Thus aiding and perhaps accelerating the natural maturation and ligamentization process of the implanted graft tissue. Acceleration and improvement in graft maturation and strength would be a significant advancement in sports medicine allowing safer and earlier return to sports and activity.

ACL harvested for autograft reconstruction of the ACL with either hamstring or patellar tendon grafts. The graft will be wrapped in a collagen wrap and injection with aspirate from the patient's bone marrow. The control group will have standard ACL reconstruction with either hamstring or patellar tendon grafts.

Bone marrow aspirate will be collected through the surgical site from the distal femur with a trocar designed for this purpose. Therefore patients will be unable to determine if they have had stem cells harvested

Intervention: ACL Autograft Reconstruction with Amion Collagen Scaffold. Stem Cells isolated from bone marrow aspirate from distal femur will be injected inside the Amion Collagen Scaffold.

Intervention: Normal ACL Autograft Reconstruction with either patella or hamstring autograft will be performed in the control group.

Bone marrow aspirate will be centrifuged using the Arthrex Angel system to optimally concentrate the cells for implantation. The graft for the experimental groups will be wrapped with a sterile amnion matrix wrap, supplied by Arthrex

Inclusion Criteria: Patients between the ages of 18 and 45 who are scheduled to have anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous grafts by one of the investigating physicians will be screened for participation in this study. Patients must be willing to undergo MRI scans post -operatively at 3, 6, 9 months and 1 year Exclusion Criteria: Patients with prior procedures or significant prior injuries to the same knee are excluded. - - Any patient who will have difficulty obtaining internet access, does not have an active e-mail address, or is unable to comprehend study documents or give informed consent will be excluded. Patient who are unable to complete MRI examinations due to claustrophobia or anxiety will be excluded.

Claes S, Verdonk P, Forsyth R, Bellemans J. The "ligamentization" process in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: what happens to the human graft? A systematic review of the literature. Am J Sports Med. 2011 Nov;39(11):2476-83. doi: 10.1177/0363546511402662. Epub 2011 Apr 22.

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Radice F, Yanez R, Gutierrez V, Rosales J, Pinedo M, Coda S. Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging findings in anterior cruciate ligament grafts with and without autologous platelet-derived growth factors. Arthroscopy. 2010 Jan;26(1):50-7. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2009.06.030.

DiDomenico LA, Orgill DP, Galiano RD, Serena TE, Carter MJ, Kaufman JP, Young NJ, Zelen CM. Aseptically Processed Placental Membrane Improves Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcerations: Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Oct 12;4(10):e1095. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001095. eCollection 2016 Oct.

Piontek T, Ciemniewska-Gorzela K, Naczk J, Jakob R, Szulc A, Grygorowicz M, Slomczykowski M. Complex Meniscus Tears Treated with Collagen Matrix Wrapping and Bone Marrow Blood Injection: A 2-Year Clinical Follow-Up. Cartilage. 2016 Apr;7(2):123-39. doi: 10.1177/1947603515608988. Epub 2015 Nov 30.

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