Use of MRI Labeling Technique to Track Mesenchymal Stem Cell Survival in Orthopaedic Conditions

The primary objective is to determine whether a surgical intervention involving removing of the calcified cartilage cap in patients with Grade II Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis influences the incorporation of labeled bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)-derived cells within the cartilage regenerate vs labeled BMAC cells delivered after arthroscopy without removing of the calcified cartilaginous layer. The survival and incorporation of the BMAC labeled cells will be evaluated with MRI using the Ferumoxytol infusion stem cell labeling technique. The second arm of the study evaluating cell fate after injecting stem cells under a rotator cuff repair will also be explored. The secondary objectives are to 1) determine which surgical intervention leads to better clinical outcomes as measured by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 12 months, and 2) determine who long we can track the labeled-BMAC cells in the knee.