Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy: A Survey of Canadian Orthopedic Surgeons

TL;DR

Canadian orthopedic surgeons have limited awareness and interest in using adipose-derived stem cells for treating orthopedic conditions.

Contribution

This study is the first to survey Canadian orthopedic surgeons about their awareness and receptiveness to adipose-derived stem cell therapy.

Findings

Most surgeons reported hearing about ADSCs only a few times per year.

Only 10% expressed interest in incorporating ADSCs into their future practice.

Barriers included lack of evidence, high costs, and regulatory limitations.

Abstract

Background

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of orthopedic conditions. However, no surveys to date have evaluated physicians’ awareness and receptiveness toward these therapies - an essential step in assessing the Canadian healthcare system’s readiness for ADSC implementation, alongside regulatory and technical considerations. We hypothesized a generally low level of exposure to this therapeutic modality, with higher levels of awareness and interest expected among respondents specializing in sports medicine and reconstruction.

Methods

An eight-item questionnaire was distributed to members of the Arthroscopic Association of Canada and the Orthopedic Division at (redacted for blinding) University. Statistical analysis was conducted using mixed-effects logistic regression.

Results

The survey achieved a 12.9% response rate, yielding 50 responses. Most respondents (62%) reported hearing about ADSCs only a few times per year, primarily through scientific journals and colleagues. Only 10% expressed interest in incorporating ADSCs into their future practice. Common barriers included insufficient evidence, high costs, and regulatory limitations. No significant association was found between orthopedic subspecialty and receptiveness to ADSC therapy.

Conclusions

Canadian orthopedic surgeons show limited awareness of, and willingness to adopt, ADSC therapy in clinical practice. Contrary to our hypothesis, no significant differences were observed between subspecialties. Future studies should aim for larger, more representative samples to support more robust conclusions.

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