What is stem cell therapy?
If stem cell therapy confuses you, you are not alone. Too many people have misinformed clients for the last few years. Stem cell therapy in the Interventional Orthopedic world refers to mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). These can be harvested from fat and bone marrow. Currently, the only FDA approved method of obtaining these MSCs is from concentrating bone marrow. I call it mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow concentrate.
Why use MSC stem cells?
MSCs can be the building blocks to repair an orthopedic injury. It is well known that tendons, ligaments, spine discs, and other cartilaginous structures have poor healing ability after they are injured. Due to delayed or even lack of healing, the structure deteriorates with time. This eventually leads to wear and tear arthritis and pain. Soon your surgeon is discussing surgery. But I ask you, why do we let arthritis set in? Why don't we stop the onset of deterioration at its beginning? Studies have verified this. This is why we use stem cells.
Who can benefit most from stem cells?
An injury in its infancy is the best suited candidate for stem cell therapy. Notice I did not speak about the age of the patient. This is because many studies have been published which have shown significant reduction of pain with MSC even in severe degeneration. Please keep in mind that I am not speaking of building a new joint or a disc, I am speaking about reducing pain without surgery.
This is a flouroscopic guided injection of the knee with bone marrow concentrate stem cells.
What's the evidence?
Scientific evidence is classified from category 1 (best) to 4 (anecdotal). There is now category 1 evidence for both bone marrow derived MSC and platelet rich plasma for the treatment of spine pain when injected into the disc or the facets. Article https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.12868
Why not use other products?
You may have heard from other providers that there are superior products available. You may also hear that your cells may be too old to help. These statements are false and are usually made by providers who do not know how to derive bone marrow cells or are just too scared. Most of the current data in the field of Regenerative Medicine is using bone marrow concentrate and platelets. This procedure takes skill and education, both of which most providers are lacking. Dr. Bhandari has performed pain injections as an Interventional Pain Physician for 9 years. Do not settle for less than an expert in her field.
How can I find out more?
That's an easy one! I am very passionate about preventative Interventional Orthopedics. I would be happy to discuss your concerns and see if stem cell therapy with bone marrow aspirate is right for you. During your consultation, your specific pain area is carefully assessed and a treatment protocol individualized to you is created.