Stem cells are unspecialized multi-potent cells that can take on the characteristic of any other cell in the body. They can be considered the building blocks of all human tissue.
When you are injured, stem cells move to the site of injury and transform into the type of cells needed to help the body repair itself such as bone cells, tendon cells, cartilage cells, or skin cells. We are all born with a large quantity of stem cells, which slowly diminishes over time. This is the reason wounds and injuries take longer to heal as we grow older.
In recent years stem cell therapy has become quite popular for treatment of orthopedic conditions. Several athletes and well-known sports personalities have used stem cell therapy to help them get back in the game after injury with minimal delay.
Stem cells may be obtained from the patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue by a simple aspiration procedure. The aspirate is then injected into the site of injury. Stem cell therapy can usually be performed as an outpatient procedure and patients can go home the very same day. You should be able to notice a marked improvement in your condition within a few weeks.
Stem cells can also be derived from placental tissue. Certain amniotic products contain live cells that can be injected into the sites of injury and arthritic joints.
Some of the important benefits of stem cell therapy are:
• There are very minimal side effects
• Stem cells release growth factors that enhance regeneration
• It is a minimally invasive procedure causing no damage to surrounding healthy tissue
• Promotes faster healing and resolution of pain symptoms
• May be used to delay or avoid surgery
You might be a candidate for stem cell therapy if you have had a longstanding ligament/ tendon injury or a painful arthritic condition that has not responded well to other forms of conservative therapy.
South Palm Orthopedics is a medical practice devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. To make an appointment or for more information, you can contact our office during our scheduled office hours at . To request an appointment online, use our secure online South Palm Orthopedics appointment request form.