Stem Cell Therapy
Introduction
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes the body’s natural healing mechanism to treat various conditions. Stem cells are being used in regenerative medicine to renew and repair diseased or damaged tissues, and have shown promising results in treatments of various orthopedic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular and autoimmune conditions.
Stem cells are present in all of us acting like a repair system for the body. However, with increased age sometimes the optimum amount of stem cells are not delivered to the injured area. The goal of stem cell therapy is to amplify the natural repair system of the patient’s body.
Types of Stem Cells
There are two major types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are stem cells derived from human embryos. They are pluripotent, which means they have the ability to develop into almost any of the various cell types of the body.
Adult Stem Cells (Somatic Stem Cells)
As the embryo develops and forms a baby, stem cells are distributed throughout the body where they reside in specific pockets of each tissue, such as the bone marrow and blood. As we age, these cells function to renew old and worn out tissue cells.
Adult stem cells can replicate into more than one cell type, but their replication is restricted to a limited number of cell types.
Use of Stem Cells in Orthopedics
The unique self-regeneration 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, ethical concerns exist regarding the destruction of potential human life.
Adult stem cells are most commonly obtained from the bone marrow, specifically 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 shoulder, knees, hips, and spine. They are also used in the treatment of various soft tissue (muscle, ligaments, and tendons) and bone-related injuries.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Stem Cell Procedure?
You may be a good candidate for stem cell therapy if you have been suffering from joint pain and want to improve your quality of life while avoiding complications related to invasive surgical procedures.
Preparing for the Procedure
It is important to 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.
Stem Cell Procedure
The procedure begins with your doctor extracting stem cells from your own bone marrow, usually aspirated from your hip region. The doctor cleans and numbs the hip area, then inserts a needle into the iliac crest of the pelvic bone.
Bone marrow is aspirated using a special syringe and sent to the laboratory. The sample is spun in a machine for 10 to 15 minutes to separate a concentrated stem cell sample.
The affected area is then cleaned and numbed. Under the guidance of special X-rays, the stem cells are injected into the diseased region. The entire procedure typically takes less than one hour, and you may return home the same day.
Post-Operative Care
- You will most likely be able to return to work the next day.
- Avoid load-bearing activities for at least two weeks.
- Refrain from taking NSAIDs for a period of time, as they may affect healing.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Stem cell therapy is a relatively simple procedure that avoids the complications associated with invasive surgical procedures.
- Uses your own cells, reducing the chances of immune rejection.
- Limited long-term data as it is a newer, evolving therapy.
Risks and Complications
Stem cell therapy is generally considered safe with minimal complications. However, as with any medical procedure, risks exist.
- Infection due to contamination during preparation.
- Risk of infection during removal or injection of cells.
- Rare immune reactions to injected stem cells.
