Stem Cell Therapy – Colorado Springs Orthopedics

STEM CELL THERAPY

Christopher K. Jones, MD

I am very excited to offer stem cell therapy as a treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Although stem cell therapy is in its infancy, early research is opening the door for another non-invasive treatment for degenerative arthritis, lateral or medial epicondylitis, patella tendinitis, plantar fascitis, rotator cuff tears, muscle injuries, shin splints as well as a variety of other conditions.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are cells that are able to differentiate (change) into any type of mature cell (i.e. bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle). These cells have the ability to repair injured tissue by transforming into the particular type of cell that is needed in the area of treatment.

How are stem cells obtained?

Stem cells can be obtained from an individual by aspirating bone marrow and centrifuging it in order to separate the stem cells from the other cells such as red blood cells and adipocytes. They can also be obtained from fetal tissue or the amniotic membrane. The amniotic membrane can be sterilely processed and produce an injectable product.

What else does this injection contain?

The amniotic membrane contains over 1 million cells and 44% of these cells are mesenchymal stem cells. It also contains many other vital substances for the healing process, such as growth factors, fibrocytes, epidermal cells and amino acids. These other constituents is what differentiates amniotic products from adult derived mesenchymal stem cells.

What are the advantages of using amniotic derived stem cells over adult derived (bone marrow aspirate)?

Besides the obvious benefit of not having an invasive procedure, which carries all of the inherent risks of surgery, amniotic derived stem cells have been shown to develop into fully functioning cell types. In other words, the cells carry the potential to heal and grow. Further, the procedure is as simple as having a cortisone injection.

How are stem cell injections given?

First, The amniotic derived stem cells are mixed with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). The area to be injected is treated with a local anesthetic, and the mixture of local anesthetic and PRP is injected into the part of the body being treated. For many of these injections, I utilize ultrasound in order to guide the needle into the bad tissue or joint. The whole process takes place in my clinic and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

What happens after your treatment?

First and foremost, it is important to create the most optimal environment for the stem cells. This means avoiding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxyn, Celebrex, aspirin) and not icing the affected area for the first 4-6 weeks. Additionally, I advise against high impact or vigorous activity during the 6 weeks. It is okay to walk, lift light weights and do low impact activities such as bicycle or elliptical.

What conditions may benefit from stem cell injections?

When will I begin to see some improvement?

Patients typically report some improvement as early as 6 weeks. They also report improvements up to 2 years following the treatment. For some patients, if limited response is seen at 6 months, I may recommend a second injection.

What are the potential complications?

There have been no reported adverse reactions in patients treated with the amniotic stem cell product that I use. There is typically injection site soreness for a few days after the injection, and there is a very low (well less than 1%) risk of infection with any injection.

Does insurance pay for stem cell therapy?

Insurance companies consider stem cell therapy experimental, and therefore, do not pay for this treatment.

What are the results?

The research currently available suggests that approximately 85% of patients respond favorably to stem cell injections. There are several studies evaluating treatment of knee arthritis. These studies show patients to have significant relief up to 2 years following the injection. Further, they noted that those with more severe arthritis will not benefit as much, and will more likely require additional treatments. The results of treating tendinopathies have shown similar success. This therapy is certainly new, but shows incredible promise and will likely be mainstream in the future.

Am I a candidate for stem cell therapy?

If you are suffering from one of the above or other orthopedic conditions, I am happy to have you schedule a consultation and discuss your particular case.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call my office at 719-632-7669

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Stem Cell Therapy - Colorado Springs Orthopedics