Combined surgical treatment and intraoperative adult stem cell application for osteochondral lesions of the knee: a case report and therapeutic approach

The knee is a complex joint that enables a wide range of movements. It plays a key role in load bearing and joint stability. The limited regenerative capacity of cartilage, coupled with the progression to disabling conditions such as osteoarthritis, underscores the need for early intervention in osteochondral lesions. In this context, stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising orthopedic tool due to its regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. We present the case of a patient with chronic osteochondral knee lesions who experienced significant impairment in quality of life due to pain, swelling, and joint locking. The patient underwent surgery combined with the intraoperative application of adult stem cells. During a 25-month follow-up period after surgery a remarkable clinical improvement was observed, including the recovery of joint function and sustained symptom relief. This combined approach supports a novel therapeutic strategy for the structural and functional regeneration of the knee joint.