CELLULAR THERAPIES IN CARTILAGE LESIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Cartilage lesions represent an important challenge in orthopedic practice due to the limited regenerative capacity of articular cartilage. The absence of vascularization, innervation, and the low mitotic activity of chondrocytes contribute to the difficulty of spontaneous repair of this tissue. In recent years, cell-based regenerative therapies have been widely investigated as promising alternatives for the treatment of these lesions. The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the main cellular therapies used in the treatment of cartilage lesions, addressing their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and therapeutic outcomes. A narrative literature review was conducted, including articles published between 2016 and 2026 in the PubMed and BVS databases, using the descriptors “cellular therapies” and “cartilage lesions.” Among the main approaches identified are autologous chondrocyte implantation, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation, mesenchymal stem cell therapies, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and adipose-derived cells. The studies demonstrate functional improvement and pain reduction in patients treated with these techniques, although methodological limitations and the need for protocol standardization still exist. It is concluded that cellular therapies have great potential in the regeneration of articular cartilage; however, long-term clinical studies are still necessary to establish their efficacy and safety.