Allogeneic BM-MSCs in Patients With Painful Lumbar Facet Arthropathy

This study is a prospective, double blinded, randomized, cross over phase II study evaluating efficacy and safety of intra-articularly injected BM-MSCs in the treatment of painful facet joint arthropathy (FJA). Patients with mild to severe facet arthropathy will be considered for this study. A total of 40 patients with diagnosis evidence of chronic low back pain associated with FJA and positive outcome of a MBB will be recruited. After confirming eligibility, patients will be randomized to Arm A: Treatment or Arm B: DMSO. After 6 months, patients randomized to Arm B: DMSO will be unblinded and may cross-over to Arm A: treatment then be followed for 12 months.