Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic Injuries
As society becomes more informed about the chronic and acute healing process of musculoskeletal tissue injuries, the use of biological treatments becomes more widely accepted. One of these biological treatments, called stem cell therapy, is a new and promising treatment that has been found to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with orthopedic conditions like arthritis without the need for surgery.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is the treatment of illnesses using naturally occurring cells in the body that have the capability to differentiate (turn into different cell types) and promote tissue regeneration. One specific variety of stem cells used in orthopedic stem cell treatments is Mesenchymal, which can produce ligament, bone, cartilage, and tendon tissue. These cells emit chemicals (cytokines and growth factors) that decrease inflammation, inhibit tissue breakdown, and trigger cell repair.
Orthopedic Conditions Treatable with Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy has successfully been used to treat many injuries and diseases. Orthopedic conditions that have been treated with stem cell therapy include acute and chronic injuries of the muscle, tendon, cartilage, bone, and ligament. A few specific conditions that are candidates for stem cell therapy include:
- Tendon Injuries like partial tears of the shoulder’s rotator cuff
- Back pain caused by degenerative discs and facet joint
- Arthritis of joints (like the hip, elbow, and knee) and osteoarthritis
Before you are considered a candidate for stem cell therapy, you will have to undergo an orthopedic evaluation, which often includes getting an x-ray and MRI scan. If you are healthy, you will most likely not need any other special laboratory testing.
