Does stem cell treatment work for osteoarthritis? What do you need to know?

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Does stem cell treatment work for osteoarthritis?
What do you need to know?
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• Currently, researchers consider stem cells as the
  possible answer to many medical conditions,
  especially osteoarthritis.
• Their hope is that stem cell treatment can stop
  the progression caused by an ailment by repairing
  it. However, more research studies are ongoing to
  determine how stem cell therapy can be more
  effective and advanced to current protocols.
• Are you wondering what makes stem cell therapy so
  unique? Lets read on.

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How does stem cell therapy work?

• Stem cell treatment uses the patients own cells
  to help restore the damaged tissues of your hip
  or knee joint.
• Unlike other treatments, stem cell therapy treats
  the underlying cause of knee pain and other joint
  pain. Hence, this therapy can reduce joint pain,
  increase movement, increase flexibility, speed up
  regeneration, improve blood flow, and treat
  ligament or tendon tears for a prolonged
  duration.
• Adult stem cell therapy is non-invasive and safe.
  Studies recommend that its side effects are very
  minimal with no adverse effects.

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What are the stem cells used for knee
osteoarthritis treatment?

• Mesenchymal stem cells are used as they have the
  potential to differentiate into various types of
  cells.
• These mesenchymal stem cells can be administered
  as BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) and
  SVF (stromal vascular fraction).

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How are BMAC and SVF collected?

• BMAC
• BMAC is collected as an aspirate from the bone
  marrow. This procedure is performed on the iliac
  crest under local anaesthesia. At the same time,
  this aspirate is concentrated with the help of a
  centrifuge to get the concentrate rich in
  beneficiary proteins. Thats bone marrow aspirate
  concentrate.
• SVF
• SVF collection involves the following steps
• Collection of adipose (fat) tissue using
  liposuction procedure. The resultant is called
  lipoaspirate.
• Then centrifuged to separate and isolate the
  adipose-derived stem cells from blood and oil.
• Followed by a breakdown of fat by micronising the
  sample.
• And the resultant SVF product can be readily
  injected into the affected joint area.

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What happens during the BMAC or SVF procedure?

• At first, a local anaesthetic is applied to the
  knee joint to numb any pain from the injection.
  Next, BMAC or SVF is injected intraarticular
  under ultrasound guidance for precision. Sterile
  dressings are applied to the affected area for up
  to three days to keep the injection area clean
  and prevent infection. Oral NSAIDs (non-steroidal
  anti-inflammatory drugs) should be avoided for
  four to six weeks before and after stem cell
  therapy as these negatively impact the healing
  process. However, always discuss with your doctor
  before stopping any medication!

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How long does stem cell treatment last? What
should you expect?

• The effect of stem cell treatment for every joint
  region such as shoulder, knee, hip or ankle and
  foot fluctuates according to the severity and
  extent.
• However, several co-morbidities like kidney and
  heart issues, diabetes, body inflammation can
  also affect its success rate.
• Several research studies revealed that stem cell
  therapy had reported a long-lasting result
  anywhere between six months to a few years.
• The treatment can last up to 7 years or more
  depending on physiotherapy rehabilitation, active
  lifestyle, balanced diet and less stress
  post-treatment.
• Although no promises can be made about the exact
  duration of its long-lasting effect, stem cell
  therapy showed positive effects for a prolonged
  duration.

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Is there any research update to back up the
effect of stem cell therapy on knee
osteoarthritis?

• Yes.
• A review article published in the year 2018
  supports stem cells in the treatment of knee
  osteoarthritis.
• Stem cell therapy for knee pain appears to be
  very promising.
• A 2020 recent study conducted at Loughborough
  University in the United Kingdom recommended that
  the injection of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal
  stem cells in the affected knee could be safe,
  successful, and promising for cartilage repair
  and regeneration.
• This repair mechanism works due to the
  self-renewal, immunosuppressive, and differential
  potential of stem cells, especially bone
  marrow-derived stem cells.
• Thats why they bring significant improvement in
  your pain, functional outcomes, and overall
  quality of life. Michalek et al.
• published another 2015 large multi-national,
  multi-centre study on the journal Cell
  Transplant, proving that stem cell treatment
  works for a longer duration for arthritis.

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What are the benefits of stem cell therapy
against knee osteoarthritis?

• Safe procedure with very little or no side
  effects
• High rate of patient satisfaction
• Relief from symptoms for a prolonged duration
• Steady functional restoration
• Steady pain reduction
• Significant improvement (observed in MRI or
  arthroscopic studies)
• Stem cell therapy takes only around 90 minutes
• Furthermore, you require fewer post-rehabilitation
  sessions after undergoing stem cell treatment
  than surgery

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How Medica Stem Cells Clinic stands out?

• Our Medica Stem Cells Clinic in Dublin, Cork and
  Mullingar in Ireland offers stem cell treatment
  for osteoarthritis and many other conditions,
  which could be an effective alternative for those
  who want to avoid or delay surgery.
• If you are suffering from any joint pain, dont
  think going under the knife is the only choice.
  There are a variety of treatments available.
• Research all options before deciding what suits
  your condition best.
• Schedule an appointment with our medical team
  today to explore Regenerative treatment options.
  Our orthopaedic surgeons and medical experts will
  assess if you are a qualified candidate for stem
  cell therapy.
• We are here to reconcile your concerns personally
  by offering the most suitable treatment option.

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Read More

• Knee pain treatment
• Hip pain treatment
• Shoulder pain treatment