Regenerative medicine company Orthocell Limited (ASX:OCC) has announced the publication of a successful case study focussing on the combination of CelGro collagen medical device and autologous tenocyte implantation (Ortho-ATI) for the surgical repair of a large degenerate tear of the gluteal mediustendon.
The case study was published by internationally recognised orthopaedic hip specialist surgeon Dr John M O’Donnell and sports and exercise doctor A/Professor Jane Fitzpatrick. The case report supports Ortho-ATI and CelGro as durable, long term solutions for degenerate, treatment resistant tendons that can be used on their own or in combination.
Treating physician, Dr John O’Donnell commented, “Gluteal tendinopathy and tendon tears are a common and debilitating injury that is often difficult to treat, especially in older patients who are less likely to benefit from surgery. This case study highlights the exciting potential of Ortho-ATI in combination with CelGro as a novel therapy for torn gluteal tendons requiring surgical repair. I am delighted by these results providing long-lasting improvements returning the patient to normal function.”
Gluteal tendinopathy can result in severe hip pain and is a common cause of disability affecting up to 23.5% of women and 8.5% of men aged between 50 and 79 years. Gluteal tendinopathy injuries may lead to considerable disability, reduced quality of life, and absenteeism from work, and are a significant burden on healthcare resources. The current standard of care including corticosteroid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or surgery, either lack an evidence base for long-term efficacy, or suffer from variability in failure rates and full restoration.
This case report was designed to assess the role and effectiveness of CelGro when combined with Ortho-ATI to treat chronic degenerative gluteal tendinopathy in a 63 year old woman. The patient suffered from chronic right sided hip pain for over 15 years which significantly affected her ability to sleep, work and exercise.
The patient underwent numerous conservative treatment options (including physiotherapy, load management, platelet rich plasma and corticosteroid injection therapy) and right hip replacement surgery – all without success. In 2016, the patient suffered a full thickness tendon tear (rupture) of the gluteus medius from the insertion of the greater trochanter (hip bone), confirmed by MRI of the hip, also noting significant atrophy and degeneration of the tendon.
The positive case study is a global first supporting the combination of CelGro and Ortho-ATI to provide a durable solution to treat severely torn tendons,” Orthocell Managing Director Paul Anderson, said.
“This is an exciting pipeline application combining our leading products CelGro Ortho-ATI and is a ground-breaking approach that continues to place OCC at the forefront of tendon regenerative medicine.”
Orthocell intends to leverage this case report showing CelGro and Ortho-ATI results in high quality tissue repair to further position the medical device and cell therapy as best-in-class regenerative medicine products that can be used on their own or in combination. Further performance studies are planned to assist in establishing the effectiveness of the combined product.
