Stem cells give new hope to arthritis sufferers

Scientists in England predict they will have a "cure" for osteoarthritis within the next decade, with the help of stem cell technology.

Researchers at the University of Bristol successfully grew new human cartilage from stem cells taken from the patient's own bone marrow -- a first.

The development paves the way for cartilage transplant operations for people who suffer from osteoarthritis, one of the most severe forms of arthritis, which can leave people unable to walk.

This technique is promising because it overcomes the problems of transplant rejection, since the patient's own stem cells are used to make the cartilage.

As well, the fact that it uses the patient's own stem cells, rather than human embryos, avoids ethical concerns.

In this experiment, scientists took the stem cells from the bone marrow of people undergoing hip replacement surgery, because of osteoarthritis.

The cells were placed in a special solution to help them grow, and in just over a month, experts ended up with a half-inch piece of cartilage.

Experts warn that the technique could take up to 10 years to perfect.

"I think we should be encouraged but not overly excited. At the moment this is a milestone but not really a breakthrough," professor George Nuki, from the British Society for Rheumatology, said, the BBC website reported.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It involves the breakdown of a joint's cartilage, which cushion the ends of bones, and allows for easy movement.

It commonly affects older people. Men are more likely to have osteoarthritis than women under the age of 55. Over the age of 55, it becomes more common in females, according to the U.S.-based Arthritis Foundation.

While a single cause of osteoarthritis isn't known, risk factors include age, weight and having a previous injury at a joint. Genetics can also play a part.

The disease typically affects major joints, such as the hips, knees and lower backs. It can also affect the neck, small finger joints, the base of the thumb and the big thumb.