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Regenerative medicine is a rapidly developing field, the idea of which is to support the processes of regeneration and repair of damaged tissues using, among others, stem cell transplants. This method is used in orthopedics. What diseases of the locomotor system can be cured thanks to it?
What are stem cells?
The human body is made up of thousands of different types of cells. They have specific functions thanks to which the body can function properly. However, there are also non-specialized cells that have the remarkable ability to differentiate into a different type of cell. These are called MSC mesenchymal stem cells (from Mesenchymal Stem Cells). Their unique properties make them help in the reconstruction of damaged or diseased tissues – especially bone and cartilage. That is why they are used primarily in orthopedics.
Indications for stem cell transplantation
Stem cells are used in the treatment of an increasing number of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A very wide application also applies to problems with the musculoskeletal system. Therapies with the use of stem cells are recommended, among others athletes, people with injuries, as well as seniors suffering from a degenerative disease. The list of indications includes, among others:
- arthralgia;
- injuries (e.g., articular cartilage);
- damage to muscles and ligaments;
- degenerative changes;
- bone union disorders.
Qualification for stem cell treatment
Before the procedure, the patient must undergo a package of laboratory tests prescribed by the doctor, and also undergo the procedure anesthesiological qualification. The therapy is not performed in people with:
- blood coagulation disorders
- active neoplastic disease
- unregulated diabetes
- unregulated hypertension
See: Degenerative joint diseases
Another contraindication to the procedure is taking blood thinners. Pregnant or breastfeeding women will have to wait until the end of this period to start treatment.
The course of the stem cell collection procedure
In the past, stem cells were collected primarily from the umbilical cord blood of a newborn, but today they can also be obtained from adult human tissues. They can be distinguished primarily from the bone marrow and peripheral blood. In case of collecting cells from the marrow, it is obtained by puncturing the iliac plate. Then, the obtained bone marrow preparation is subjected to purification and a process that produces a kind of stem cell concentrate. It is then precisely injected into the treatment area.
The entire procedure usually takes no more than 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia when cells are harvested from the bone marrow. If the injury or disease requires it, rehabilitation can be started the next day after the surgery.
Read: How it’s done, or methods of marrow harvesting
Management after stem cell transplant
After the procedure, the patient may feel slight pain. To get rid of them, however, do not use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprom) – paracetamol is acceptable. An important issue is medical check-ups, which should be performed regularly for at least 2 months. This allows for optimal selection of further procedures and obtaining the best possible results.
Mesenchymal stem cells can be administered repeatedly. How many transplants the patient will have to undergo depends on the extent of the damage (or the nature of the disease), as well as the effects obtained after the first treatment. What results can you count on? In the case of osteoarthritis, stem cells (e.g. in combination with arthroscopy) can completely restore function or delay the need for major surgery such as arthroplasty. Also in the case of sports injuries, patients feel a marked improvement in their condition – pain disappears, while the full range of motion returns.
How much does it cost to give stem cells?
For the administration of stem cells to the joint (knee, hip, etc.) you need to pay from 1500 to even 13,5 thousand. zloty. The average price of such a procedure is about PLN 5500. To find out exactly how much stem cell therapy in your area costs, see the list below.
The future of stem cells in orthopedics
Stem cells are seen as the future of treatment of many diseases in the field of orthopedics and cardiology. Currently, they are a chance for patients with cartilage damage, joint pain or degeneration to recover.
Scientists are conducting research on the use of mesenchymal stem cells, including in non-surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament rupture of the knee joint. It is already known that the combination of stem cell therapy and properly selected rehabilitation can restore even high-performance athletes to the best form. No wonder it is seen as the future of medicine.
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