![]() ![]() ![]() The authors investigated to see what was going on in the current marketplace for stem cell clinics for patients with OA of the knee. This has not, however, stopped clinics from offering these treatments. Although the results from the six trials were positive, the placebo effect could not be discounted, the team concludes. The other 420 reports they identified were not well-designed trials. "The quality of the literature is relatively sparse," In a previous study that Muschler was involved in, investigators conducted a systematic review of stem cell treatments for knee osteoarthritis and focal cartilage defects of the knee, and found only four randomized controlled trials and two well-designed controlled trials without randomization ( J Bone Joint Surg Am. "People's expectations have gotten ahead of the science," said investigator George Muschler, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic, and orthopedic surgeons must be prepared to help their patients evaluate these claims. George Muschler from the Cleveland Clinic. Here is an excerpt from a presentation by Dr. “Hundreds of clinics in the United States are selling stem cell treatments for knee osteoarthritis without solid evidence of their claims, researchers warn.” The reason being is that very little research has been done in this area.įrom the recent American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual meeting there was this statement. So, what do we know about the role of stem cells in OA of the knee. It seems that everyone knows someone that has had stem cell injections and it helped when nothing else did. Other treatment options that can help reduce pain and lead to functional improvements include the use of over the counter or prescription NSAIDs, physical therapy, bracing, corticosteroid injections, possibly the injection of hyaluronic acid “lubricants” and finally total knee replacement.īut wait there is more! What about the newest and greatest treatments? I get asked all the time about PRP and of course stem cell injections. What we know is that exercise is probably the single best treatment for OA of the knee. Over several decades the science behind the treatment of this condition has evolved. It is a very common problem in Western society and with aging baby boomer population knee pain from arthritis is going to be become even more prevalent. If you have knee pain and want to see if platelet-rich plasma therapy or stem-cell injections can help you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Premier Spine and Sports Medicine today.I treat a number people at any one time with osteoarthritis(OA) of the knee. Physical therapy and muscle exercises may be recommended to help maintain joint health. ![]() You should only take pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. A cold compress can be placed on the area to help with both of these issues. Patients are often instructed to rest the injected area for a few days after either treatment, and soreness and some swelling is to be expected. Finally, the stem cells are injected into the injured area. Then the stem cells are harvested from the tissue. Injections of stem cells can help reduce inflammation, repair damaged tissue, and may even help prevent knee replacement surgery.įirst, some bone marrow or fat tissue is extracted with a needle. Extracting them and injecting them into injured areas can speed healing. Stem cells are basic cells that can turn into any cells the body needs. In this case, it uses adult stem cells extracted from bone marrow or fat. Stem cell therapy also uses your body to heal itself. Then your provider takes the platelet serum and injects it into the treatment area using ultrasound guidance. Then, your blood is placed in a centrifuge where the platelets are separated from the rest of your blood’s components. Platelet-rich plasma treatments extract some of these platelets and inject them back into your body at the injury site to speed up healing in that area.įirst, your provider draws some of your blood. Platelets are the part of your blood that promote blood clotting, cell growth, and healing. Your blood consists of several components, including red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. But whatever the cause of your knee pain, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy may be the nonsurgical solution you need to help you heal faster.Ĭhristopher Clark, MD, and the Premier Spine and Sports Medicine team can help you find a treatment that gets you back on your feet. Sprains, strains, inflammation, dislocations, tendon tears, and other forms of knee problems can happen due to just about any type of physical activity that stresses the legs.Ĭertain conditions, such as gout, arthritis, and infections, can also contribute to knee pain, and any of these conditions can also lead to stiffness and swelling. Knee injuries are very common and come in many forms. ![]()
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