Stem Cell FAQ
What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the only cells in the body able to morph into other types of cells. When your own stem cells are injected into damaged tissue, they appear to amplify the body’s natural repair efforts by reducing inflammation, accelerating healing, and preventing scarring and loss of function. They provide a powerful approach to treating arthritis but can also treat ligament, tendon, cartilage, and even bone problems.
How is Stem Cell Therapy performed?
Through a simple office procedure, your stem cells are obtained from either your pelvic (hip) bone or your fat. An FDA approved device manipulates them to optimize the healing cells. Then they are injected into the injury or joint using image guidance. You will be able to leave the office at the conclusion of the procedure.
Does the treatment hurt?
A local anesthetic is used, which results in minimal discomfort from acquiring the cells. There can be some discomfort following the injection of the cells for 1-2 days.
When can I expect to feel better after treatment?
Some patients experience rapid improvement, but the healing process takes between 4-8 weeks, so improvement is often gradual over this time period.
What is recovery like after a stem cell procedure?
There may be some soreness for a few days after the injection. Heavy exertion and anti-inflammatory products, such as aspirin, Motrin, Advil and Aleve should be avoided for the first two weeks after the procedure. Taking Tylenol is acceptable. Dr. Delo will guide return to activity while you are healing, and will provide rehabilitation exercise to optimize your response.
Will my body reject stem cells? Are they safe?
No, they won’t be rejected as they are your own cells. Also, because immune cells are present, there is virtually no risk of infection.
Is stem cell therapy an alternative to knee replacement?
Stem cells can be highly effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with arthritis. Plus, bone marrow and fat contain many powerful growth hormones and anti-inflammatory proteins that will greatly reduce inflammation and promote healthier tissue. However, patients with severe arthritis do get less of a response to stem cell injections than those with mild-moderate disease. While regenerative medicine may slow the degenerative process, there is no evidence that it reverses the process.
Can stem cells grow cartilage?
Stem cells have been shown in many studies to have the power to grow cartilage in certain types of procedures, micro fractures and tibial osteotomies. However, the ability for cartilage to form after an injection is still an active area of academic research.
Can stem cells help optimize my results from a surgical procedure?
This depends on what type of procedure is done. Ask a member of our team to learn more. In the case of micro fracture surgery to restore knee surface cartilage, there are numerous scientific articles that detail a far more robust cartilage healing response when an orthobiologic injection is given post-operatively.
