Stem Cell Therapy

Types of Stem cells

Two primary categories of stem cells exist: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells sourced from human embryos that possess the potential to develop into nearly any cell type found in the human body.

During fetal development, stem cells disseminate throughout the body and inhabit distinct areas of various tissues, such as the bone marrow and blood. These cells are called adult stem cells or somatic stem cells and function to regenerate old or depleted tissue cells as we age. Adult stem cells have the ability to differentiate into more than one cell type, similar to embryonic stem cells. However, their differentiation is limited to only a restricted range of cell types.

Use of stem cells in orthopedics

Two primary categories of stem cells exist: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells sourced from human embryos that possess the potential to develop into nearly any cell type found in the human body.

During fetal development, stem cells disseminate throughout the body and inhabit distinct areas of various tissues, such as the bone marrow and blood. These cells are called adult stem cells or somatic stem cells and function to regenerate old or depleted tissue cells as we age. Adult stem cells have the ability to differentiate into more than one cell type, similar to embryonic stem cells. However, their differentiation is limited to only a restricted range of cell types.

Who is a good candidate for stem cell procedures?

If you're experiencing joint pain and wish to enhance your quality of life without undergoing invasive surgical interventions, stem cell therapy may be a viable option for you.

Preparing for the Procedure

To prepare for a stem cell procedure, it's essential to discontinue any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at least two weeks before the scheduled appointment. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines depending on your medical condition.

Stem Cell Procedure

The procedure begins with your doctor extracting stem cells from your own bone marrow. Typically, bone marrow is aspirated from the hip region, where the doctor cleans and numbs the area. Next, a needle is inserted into the iliac crest of your pelvic bone, and the bone marrow is collected using a specialized syringe. The aspirate is then sent to the laboratory, where it is spun in a centrifuge for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to extract a concentrated stem cell sample.

Following this, your doctor cleans and numbs the affected area to be treated and, with the guidance of specialized x-rays, injects the stem cells into the diseased region. The entire procedure typically lasts less than an hour, and you may return home on the same day.

Post-Operative Care

After your procedure, you can expect to return to work the next day. However, it's important to take it easy and avoid any activities that involve bearing weight for at least two weeks following the procedure. Additionally, refrain from taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for a while, as they can negatively impact your body's healing process.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Stem cell therapy is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure that avoids the complications associated with more invasive surgical procedures. Furthermore, stem cell therapy uses cells extracted from your own body, which reduces the chances of immune rejection.

One disadvantage of adult stem cell therapy is the limited amount of data on its long-term effects, as it is a newer and continuously evolving therapy.

Possible Risks and Complications

Although stem cell therapy is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal complications, as with any medical procedure, there are still risks to consider.

One of the risks associated with stem cell therapy is infection, as the stem cells may become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens during the preparation process. Additionally, the procedure to either remove or inject the cells can introduce an infection to the damaged tissue into which they are injected.

Another rare risk is an immune reaction that may occur from injected stem cells. It's important to discuss these possible risks with your healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.

Conditions Treated by Stem Cell Therapy:

Elbow

• Arthritis of the Elbow
• Tennis Elbow
• Golfer’s Elbow

Knee

• Knee Arthritis
• Ligament Tear
• Knee Instability
• Cartilage Injury
• Meniscus Tear
• Patellar Tendonitis
• Patellofemoral Syndrome
• Bursitis

Stem cells for shoulder pain

 

The healthy shoulder:

The shoulder joint comprises three bones - the humerus, scapula, and clavicle - and is a ball and socket joint. The ends of all articulating bones are covered with articular cartilage, which allows smooth sliding and frictionless movement.

Several ligaments contribute to the stability of the shoulder joint, including the coraco-clavicular, acromio-clavicular, coraco-acromial, and glenohumeral ligaments. The main group of muscles in the shoulder joint is the rotator cuff, which is composed of four muscles. The deltoid muscle, the largest and strongest muscle of the shoulder joint, forms the outer layer of the rotator cuff. Two significant groups of tendons in the shoulder joint are the biceps tendons and rotator cuff tendons

Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body enabling a wide range of movements. The most common shoulder injuries/diseases include:

• Shoulder Arthritis
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Shoulder Bursitis
• Glenoid Labrum Tear
• Inflamed Synovial Membrane

Stem cells

Stem cells function as a natural repair mechanism for the body. However, as we age, the ideal quantity of stem cells may not be transported to the affected region. The aim of stem cell therapy is to enhance the patient's natural repair system.

Preparation for the Procedure:

Prior to the stem cell procedure, it is essential to discontinue the usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a minimum of two weeks.

Preparing for the stem cell procedure is relatively simple, and your physician will provide you with personalized instructions based on your medical condition.

Stem Cell Procedure:

To begin the stem cell procedure, your doctor will extract stem cells from your own bone marrow. Usually, the bone marrow is obtained from the hip region. The physician will first sterilize and numb the hip area. Then, a needle is introduced into a section of the pelvic bone known as the iliac crest. Bone marrow is then aspirated using a special syringe, and the sample collected is transferred to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the aspirate is spun in a machine for 10 to 15 minutes, resulting in a concentrated stem cell sample.

Next, your doctor will sterilize and numb the area to be treated, and under the guidance of special x-rays, inject the stem cells into the diseased region. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you can return home on the same day as the procedure.

Post-Operative Care

• You will most likely be able to return to work the next day following your procedure.
• You will need to take it easy and avoid any load-bearing activities for at least two weeks following your procedure.
• You will need to refrain from taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) for a while as this can affect the healing process of your body.

Risks and complications

While stem cell therapy is usually safe and causes few complications, like all medical procedures, there is a risk of complications.

Infection is a potential risk factor related to stem cell therapy, as the stem cells might become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that may cause disease during the preparation process.

Moreover, the process of removing or injecting the cells carries the risk of introducing an infection into the affected tissue. In some rare cases, injected stem cells may trigger an immune reaction.

Stem cells for hip pain

The human body's largest weight-bearing joint is the hip joint, which is a ball and socket joint that is encompassed by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The hip joint is formed by the joining of the femur (thigh bone) and the pelvis.

The hip joint comprises the following:

• Bones and joints
• Ligaments of the joint capsule
• Muscles and tendons
• Nerves and blood vessels that supply the bones and muscles of the hip

Injuries to the Hip

Injury or illness affecting the hip joint can impede its range of motion and capacity to bear weight. The following are the most common hip injuries and illnesses:

• Hip Arthritis
• Labral Tear
• Trochanteric Bursitis
• Avascular Necrosis
• Inflammation of the Synovium

Stem cells

Stem cells function as a natural repair mechanism for the body. However, as we age, the ideal quantity of stem cells may not be transported to the affected region. The aim of stem cell therapy is to enhance the patient's natural repair system.

Preparation for the Procedure:

Prior to the stem cell procedure, it is essential to discontinue the usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a minimum of two weeks.

Preparing for the stem cell procedure is relatively simple, and your physician will provide you with personalized instructions based on your medical condition.

Stem Cell Procedure:

To begin the stem cell procedure, your doctor will extract stem cells from your own bone marrow. Usually, the bone marrow is obtained from the hip region. The physician will first sterilize and numb the hip area. Then, a needle is introduced into a section of the pelvic bone known as the iliac crest. Bone marrow is then aspirated using a special syringe, and the sample collected is transferred to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the aspirate is spun in a machine for 10 to 15 minutes, resulting in a concentrated stem cell sample.

Next, your doctor will sterilize and numb the area to be treated, and under the guidance of special x-rays, inject the stem cells into the diseased region. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you can return home on the same day as the procedure.

Post-Operative Care

• You will most likely be able to return to work the next day following your procedure.
• You will need to take it easy and avoid any load bearing activities for at least two weeks following your procedure.
• You will need to refrain from taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) for a while as this can affect the healing process of your body.

Risks and complications

While stem cell therapy is usually safe and causes few complications, like all medical procedures, there is a risk of complications.

Infection is a potential risk factor related to stem cell therapy, as the stem cells might become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that may cause disease during the preparation process.

Moreover, the process of removing or injecting the cells carries the risk of introducing an infection into the affected tissue. In some rare cases, injected stem cells may trigger an immune reaction.

Stem cells for knee pain

 

The healthy knee

The knee joint is composed of four bones: the femur, tibia, patella, and fibula. The femur connects the hip to the knee, while the tibia connects the knee to the ankle. The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone situated in front of the knee and glides over the knee joint as it flexes. The fibula is a thinner bone that runs parallel to the tibia on the outside of the leg. Although the knee joint functions primarily as a hinge joint, it can also rotate to some extent.

The knee is classified as a synovial joint, which means that it is lined with synovium, a tissue that produces fluid to lubricate and nourish the joint's interior. The articulating surfaces at the end of the femur and tibia are covered with smooth cartilage, which can deteriorate with age or injury, resulting in arthritis.

Injuries or diseases that affect the knee can impair its range of motion. Some of the most common knee conditions include arthritis, ligament tears, meniscal tears, patellar tendinitis, patellofemoral instability, and cartilage injuries.

Stem cells

Stem cells function as a natural repair mechanism for the body. However, as we age, the ideal quantity of stem cells may not be transported to the affected region. The aim of stem cell therapy is to enhance the patient's natural repair system.

Preparation for the Procedure:

Prior to the stem cell procedure, it is essential to discontinue the usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a minimum of two weeks.

Preparing for the stem cell procedure is relatively simple, and your physician will provide you with personalized instructions based on your medical condition.

Stem Cell Procedure:

To begin the stem cell procedure, your doctor will extract stem cells from your own bone marrow. Usually, the bone marrow is obtained from the hip region. The physician will first sterilize and numb the hip area. Then, a needle is introduced into a section of the pelvic bone known as the iliac crest. Bone marrow is then aspirated using a special syringe, and the sample collected is transferred to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the aspirate is spun in a machine for 10 to 15 minutes, resulting in a concentrated stem cell sample.

Next, your doctor will sterilize and numb the area to be treated, and under the guidance of special x-rays, inject the stem cells into the diseased region. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you can return home on the same day as the procedure.

Post-Operative Care

• You will most likely be able to return to work the next day following your procedure.
• You will need to take it easy and avoid any load-bearing activities for at least two weeks following your procedure.
• You will need to refrain from taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) for a while as this can affect the healing process of your body.

Risks and complications

While stem cell therapy is usually safe and causes few complications, like all medical procedures, there is a risk of complications.

Infection is a potential risk factor related to stem cell therapy, as the stem cells might become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that may cause disease during the preparation process.

Moreover, the process of removing or injecting the cells carries the risk of introducing an infection into the affected tissue. In some rare cases, injected stem cells may trigger an immune reaction.