2.1. Aims and Study Design
re-injuries
DISEASE
The aims of this study were to gain first insights into the efficacy of local allogeneic adipose-derived MSC treatment for naturally occurring tendon disease and to identify suitable outcome measures for tendon healing in this context. Equine patients were recruited at three German veterinary teaching hospitals, examined, and allocated to treatment groups through stratified block randomization. Strata were defined based on the duration of symptoms before the first presentation (A: <2 weeks; B: 2 weeks to 2 months). Treatment included the intralesional injection of MSCs in horse serum (MSC group) or horse serum only (control), as allocated by the laboratory staff. Standardized clinical examinations and diagnostic imaging were performed before treatment and 6 weeks as well as 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment. All horses were subjected to a controlled exercise program. The rate of re-injuries until 12 months after treatment was chosen as the primary endpoint. Veterinarians, examiners, and horse owners were blinded to the treatment group.