R. Brandon Trale, DO, performed a partial hip replacement case as part of a Pluristem Therapeutics stem cell trial at Indiana (Pa.) Regional Medical Center, according to The Indiana Gazette.
Here are four things to know:
1. In the double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, Dr. Trale injected either a placebo saline solution or a solution containing stem cells as the surgical team closed the wound. The trial is intended to regenerate muscle tissue for a quicker recovery period.
2. Pluristem develops placenta-based cell therapy products. In April, Pluristem received FDA clearance for a phase 3 study of its PLX-PAD cell therapy for the treatment of muscle injury after surgery.
PLX is an abbreviation for "placental expanded," while PAD refers to placental-derived adherent or mesenchymal stromal cells.
3. The 83-year-old patient fell and broke the femoral neck of his hip. This fracture type has up to a 36 percent mortality rate, with annual U.S. treatment costs estimated to be between $10 billion and $15 billion.
4. Dr. Trale specializes in total knee and hip replacements and shoulder surgery.