Expanded adipose derived mesenchymal stromal cells are effective in treating chronic insertional patellar tendinopathy: clinical and MRI evaluations of a pilot study.

Purpose: Effect of ultrasound guided injections of autologous ASCs in chronic recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy.

Methods: Fourteen patients (16 knees, 12/2 males/females) with chronic, recalcitrant (unsuccessfully treated with nonoperative treatments) insertional PT underwent clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before intervention. Stromal vascular fraction cells (SVF) were expanded by in-vitro culture and characterized by flow cytometry.