WHAT IS

“pluripotent”?

The ability to develop into almost any type of the various cells that are found in the body.

ALL ABOUT

STEM CELLS.

Stem cell therapy uses the patient’s own stem cells to help injured or damaged tissue heal itself.

TYPES OF

STEM CELLS.

AMNIOTIC STEM CELLS

Amniotic stem cells are derived from various tissue and fluid from the placenta of a delivered baby.  This tissue contains stem cells and growth factors that have the potential to stimulate repair and growth of damaged tissue.  Since these are young cells they are very active and may have better potential for repair then ones own cells.

ADULT STEM CELLS

As we age, these cells function to renew old and worn out tissue cells. These are called adult stem cells or somatic stem cells. Like embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells can also replicate into more than one cell type, but the activity of these cells declines as we age.

STEM CELL THERAPY IS CURRENTLY USED FOR VARIOUS TREATMENTS FOR BONES, JOINTS AND TISSUE

The unique self-regenerating and differentiating ability of embryonic stem cells can be used in regenerative medicine. These stem cells can be derived from eggs collected during IVF procedures with informed consent from the patient. However, many questions have been raised on the ethics of destroying a potential human life for the treatment of another. Adult stem cells are most commonly obtained from the bone marrow, specifically the mesenchymal stem cells, which have the ability to replicate into cells that form the musculoskeletal system such as tendons, ligaments, and articular cartilage. They can be obtained from the iliac crest of the pelvic bone by inserting a needle and extracting the stem cells from the bone marrow.

Currently, stem cell therapy is used to treat various degenerative conditions of the shoulders, knees, hips, and spine. They are also being used in the treatment of various soft tissues (muscle, ligaments, and tendons) as well as bone-related injuries.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE

FOR STEM CELL THERAPY?

  • You are suffering from joint pain

  • You want to improve your quality of life

  • You want to avoid or delay more invasive procedures such as surgery

PREPARING FOR A STEM CELL PROCEDURE

It is important that you stop taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at least two weeks before your procedure.  Preparing for a stem cell procedure is relatively easy and your doctor will give you specific instructions depending on your condition. 

THE

PROCEDURE

The procedure begins with your doctor extracting stem cells from your own bone marrow or fat. Bone marrow is usually aspirated from your hip region or fat from around your belly.  Either marrow or fat is withdrawn and then prepared in a special manner to obtain a concentrated stem cell sample. This concentrated sample is then the injected into the diseased region often with ultrasound guidance. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about an hour.  You may return home on the same day of the procedure.
If amniotic stem cells are used these are obtained from a specialized stem cell bank which monitors the collection and purity of the samples.  These are delivered to your doctor, prepared and injected into the diseased region

Post-Operative Care

  • You may need to take a few days off work after the 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 nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) for a while as this can affect the healing process of your body.
2 WEEKS

YOU WILL NEED

to take it easy and avoid any load bearing activity for at least 2 weeks following your procedure.

Tap the + icons below to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of stem cell procedures.

  • Stem cell therapy is a relatively simple procedure that avoids the complications associated with more invasive procedures such as joint surgery.
  • As stem cell therapy uses the cells derived from your own body it reduces the chances of an immune rejection.
  • Stem cell therapy is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal complications, however, as with any medical procedure, complications can occur.

  • A lack of data about the long-term effects of adult stem cell therapy as it is a newly evolving.
  • Risk of infection as the stem cells may become contaminated with bacteria, viruses or other pathogens that may cause disease during the preparation process.
  • Removing or injecting the cells also has the risk of introducing an infection to the damaged tissue into which they are injected.
  • Rarely, an immune reaction may occur from injected stem cells.
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