Editorial Commentary: Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Harvested From the Ilium During Acetabular Labral Repair: Is the Biologic Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Abstract

The use of regenerative technologies including mesenchymal stromal cells, also known as connective tissue progenitors (CTPs), has gained tremendous popularity as a primary and adjuvant treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions. The concentration of bone marrow-derived CTPs delivered to the site of injury has been directly correlated to the therapeutic effect in the setting of rotator cuff repair and the healing of long-bone fractures. In addition, there has been some limited in vitro and in vivo evidence to suggest that the delivery of bone marrow-derived CTPs may improve cartilage regeneration. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate harvested from the body of the ilium during hip arthroscopy yields a CTP concentration that is commensurate with other conventional donor sites and appears to be safe. However, the clinical benefit and financial cost associated with the delivery of bone marrow aspirate concentrate to the hip joint at the time of acetabular labral repair remains unclear at best and should be approached with caution.