Stem Cell Injections for Enhancing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Healing After Graft Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Gede Agung Dhimasena Widyananda1, I Gusti Ngurah Wien Aryana2, I Gusti Ngurah Yuda Bagus Aryana1, Made Ramanda Bramasta Pramana3
Abstract
Background: Over 50% of knee injuries involve anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, which often lead to knee instability. Stem cell therapy has shown promise as an adjuvant treatment due to its self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulatory abilities. However, no comprehensive evaluation has been conducted to assess its effectiveness in promoting ACL healing. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential of stem cell injections in enhancing ACL recovery after graft repair. Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature searches were performed up to July 2024 across databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar using selected keywords related to stem cells and ACL repair. Results: From the search, six relevant studies were included. All studies used a controlled laboratory design; four employed in vivo models, and two combined in vivo and in vitro designs. Most utilized rabbit samples (four studies), while two used the flexor digitorum longus tendon. Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were the most common cell type, predominantly derived from isolated sources, with intervention sites mainly intra-articular or intratunnel. Conclusion: According to its ability to self-renew, differentiate, and have immunomodulatory effects, stem cell therapy has demonstrated encouraging outcomes when used as an adjuvant treatment. Because of their biomechanical characteristics, histological results, and magnetic resonance imaging, stem cells and their cytokines are well recognised to have numerous therapeutic benefits in promoting ACL healing following graft repair.
Keywords
stem cell injections; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL); graft repair.
Cite This Article
Widyananda, G. A. D., Aryana, I. G. N. W., Aryana, I. G. N. Y. B., Pramana, M. R. B. (2025). Stem Cell Injections for Enhancing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Healing After Graft Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 6| Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2025, Pages 945-955 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Volume6-Issue5-Sep-Oct-No.956-945-955.pdf
Volume 6 | Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2025
