StemCell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is an exciting part of a rapidly growing area within medicine termed Regenerative Medicine. Stem cells are cells that have the opportunity to become several different tissue types and also have the ability to self-replicate. Stem cells are found throughout the body in certain tissues and in varying concentrations. Bone marrow and adipose tissue have the highest concentrations of stem cells.

At Spine & Joint Solutions, a procedure called bone marrow aspiration is performed to collect stem cells for use in areas of injury. The aspiration typically takes between 5-10 minutes and begins with having a patient lie on a bed on his/her stomach. The iliac crest bone, or top ridge of the hip bone, is the location chosen from which to draw bone marrow out. The region is sterilized and then anesthetized to reduce any discomfort. A needle is then advanced into the iliac crest, and between 60mL and 120mL of bone marrow is aspirated from the region. The needle is then removed. The bone marrow aspirate is then placed in a special centrifuge and spins for about 14 minutes. This spinning technique separates the stem cells and platelets from the rest of the marrow. The bone marrow aspiration concentration (BMAC) is then placed into a syringe in order to be injected into the desired area. If the target is the joints or tendons, then an ultrasound is used to help guide the needle directly into the region of damage. If the target is the spine, a fluoroscope (x-ray machine) is used to help guide the needle into the region of damage. When stem cells are placed in an area of degeneration or injury within the body, these cells have the ability to decrease local inflammation and heal damaged tissue.

There are certain situations in which using bone marrow-derived stem cells is not the best option. In these situations, further discussions about amniotic stem cells are reasonable. Following a scheduled cesarean section and informed consent of the mother, the placenta may be collected and the amniotic membrane separated. Stem cells are then collected from this membrane and concentrated. The concentrated stem cell product is then placed in a vial and frozen. At the time of the joint or spine injection, the product is thawed within the vial, drawn into a syringe and placed into the target area under either ultrasound or fluoroscope guidance.

Stem cell therapy is a safe and conservative treatment option for multiple musculoskeletal conditions, including joint degeneration, cartilage injury, tendon injury, ligament injury, facet joint injury and disc injury.

All regenerative medicine patients at Spine & Joint Solutions will receive a comprehensive approach to their treatment process. This will include a full consultation, during which all questions will be answered. A packet will be provided that includes information on what to expect before, during and after the procedure. This will include post-injection protocols and activity modifications, as well as what to expect from the rehabilitation process, which begins six weeks after the injection. An outline describing an anti-inflammatory diet, suggested supplements, and recipes will also be included. Patients may be asked to wear a brace or use crutches to offload the joint or spine region that was treated.

Additionally, each patient who undergoes treatment with either PRP or stem cells will be asked to take part in the research that is being conducted at Spine & Joint Solutions. This will consist of filling out simple questionnaires before treatment and again at specific points following treatment. Repeat imaging may be pursued to ensure tissue healing.

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Stem Cell Therapy | Spine & Joint Solutions Colorado Springs

This entry was posted on August 4, 2016 at 9:40 am and is filed under Stem Cell Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |