Recent scientific advances in the field of orthopaedic biologics (orthobiologic “regenerative medicine”) have begun to uncover the potential of a patient’s own healing power in the treatment of chronic joint pain. Strong scientific evidence now exists that your own (“autologous”) stem cells & growth factors can provide powerful and long-lasting relief from mild-to-moderate arthritis upon direct injection into a painful joint. This is the basis for stem cell injection, offering a welcome alternative to a knee, shoulder or hip replacement for a significant period of time, allowing a mature or “baby-boomer” athlete to participate longer in the sports and activities they enjoy.
Stem cells (MSC) from your own bone marrow helps initiate the natural healing process via maturation of these cells into cartilage and presents a “biologic scaffold” for healing in the joint. This tissue infusion also delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory signal to the lining of the diseased joint, often substantially relieving pain and improving function. In the right circumstances, these multi-potent stem cells may even provide for cartilage & joint regeneration. No other injection can potentially offer that.
There are many different techniques of stem cell delivery to choose from. The preparation & method we have chosen is based on extensive experimental study and several years of clinical use in recreational and even professional athletes, exhibiting a strong record of success in relieving joint pain. With just one injection, pain relief is often profound and long-lasting (12 months or more).
While the process is FDA-approved, this specific treatment is considered experimental and not covered by most insurance plans (see the ABN). There may be a hospital/procedure room charge as well. As with all new and innovative techniques, further study is ongoing, but there seems to be very little risk of side effects, as this is a product of your own body. Probably the only “risk” is that a more severely diseased joint may fail to improve. However, when it works, a consistent decrease in pain is very noticeable over a several week period, often greatly improving joint function and mobility. This improvement tends to last for months longer than that of a steroid or “lubricant” shot.
During the two or so days after injection, you can apply ice to the joint and hip and take Tylenol (no anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen/ Advil, Aleve, or aspirin, preferably for 4 weeks), resuming normal activity – but- without exercise. Gentle range of motion of the joint is encouraged. Joint soreness may be more noticeable for the first one or two weeks. After two weeks, you can resume your normal exercise schedule at half the normal pace and/or distance and gradually ramp up your level from there; you should let pain be your guide. Physical therapy may also be recommended. At 6 to 8 weeks, if the pain relief is not 80% or more, an additional injection (PRP, not MSC) may be scheduled.
Feel free to review these issues with and ask any questions of Dr. Cunningham prior to deciding on a treatment for your joint condition. More information about these products can be found at AustinOrthoBio.com and the associated internet links.
Disclaimer: Austin Ortho+Biologics is not affiliated with the data, content, or conclusions of this article.
