Stromal Vascular Fraction of Adipose Tissue: Prospects for Use in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Articular Cartilage Injuries (Literature Review)

Summary. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative-dystrophic joint disease primarily caused by damage to the articular cartilage. Conservative pharmacological treatment of OA consists of prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors, hyaluronic acid injections, and therapeutic blockades with glucocorticosteroids. The use of orthobiological agents represents an alternative method in OA treatment. Among the variety of orthobiological approaches, adipose tissue serves as a new and attractive source of stem cells for the treatment of OA. The stromal vascular fraction creates an environment where stem cells can interact and stimulate regeneration.