This webinar is an AAOS member benefit: Members attend for free! 
 

Description

Cartilage defects remain a prevalent and challenging clinical problem, especially in young, active individuals. Existing treatments such as microfracture or autologous chondrocyte implantation either lack durability or require multiple surgeries and extensive cell culture. To address these limitations, we developed RECLAIM—a one-stage, two-cell-type procedure combining allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells and autologous chondrons. RECLAIM harnesses the trophic and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs to stimulate autologous chondron-driven tissue repair, minimizing invasiveness while optimizing biologic regeneration. This article reviews the preclinical discovery, clinical translation, trial results, and platform potential of RECLAIM, which was recognized with the 2025 Arnold I. Caplan Award for Distinguished Research in OrthoBiologics. Our work builds on Professor Caplan's pioneering conceptualization of MSCs as “medicinal signaling cells” and establishes a model for academic, investigator-driven translation of regenerative science into clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the limitations of current cartilage defect treatments, including microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation, and their impact on long-term outcomes.
• Explain the scientific rationale and biological mechanisms underlying the RECLAIM procedure, including the synergistic roles of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells and autologous chondrons in cartilage repair.
• Review the preclinical development, clinical translation, and trial outcomes that demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the RECLAIM platform.
• Discuss the broader implications of RECLAIM and MSC-based therapies for advancing regenerative orthopaedics and translating laboratory research into clinical practice.

Director

Peter Rose, MD, FAAOS

Author

Daniel B.F. Saris, MD., PhD

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 

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