Rehabilitation Program After Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Transplantation Augmented by Vascularized Bone Grafts for Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Preliminary Study

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility and safety of implementing a 12-week rehabilitation program after mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation augmented by vascularized bone grafting for idiopathic osteonecrosis (ION) of the femoral head.DesignA prospective case series.SettingUniversity clinical research laboratory.ParticipantsParticipants (N=10) with ION who received MSC transplantation augmented by vascularized bone grafting.InterventionA 12-week exercise program, which included range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, muscle-strengthening exercises, and aerobic training.Main Outcome MeasuresMeasures of ROM, muscle strength, Timed Up and Go test, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were collected before surgery and again at 6 and 12 months after surgery.ResultsAll participants completed the 12-week program. External rotation ROM as well as extensor and abductor muscle strength significantly improved 6 months after treatment compared with that before treatment (P<.05). Significant improvements were also seen in physical function, role physical, and bodily pain subgroup scores of the SF-36 (P<.05). No serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of a multiplex rehabilitation program after MSC transplantation and provides support for further study on the benefits of rehabilitation programs in regenerative medicine.