If you have a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis or even an issue with the tissue in arms, legs, or back, then you’ve probably been led to believe that surgery is your only option. This couldn’t be further from the truth. You might benefit from an orthobiologic treatment that’s less invasive than surgery. It allows for less downtime, meaning that you’ll be up and moving around much sooner – and in less pain than you were before.
One of the best types of these orthobiologic treatments involves the use of stem cells. These cells, called Mesenchymal stem cells, are essentially “blank” cells. This means that they aren’t coded by the body to form any specific type of organ or tissue. Instead, they shape themselves, based on where they are injected into the body, forming healthy tissue or cartilage in areas where damaged tissue or cartilage previously was. They can also turn into skin cells, muscle cells, bone cells, or tendon cells. It all depends on the location.
For example, if you have problems with the cartilage in your knees, then the cells will be harvested from your body, where they are found in your bone marrow or your tissue. They are then injected into your knees. The cells will determine what needs to be done, such as rebuilding the cartilage, and they’ll turn into corresponding cells, thus strengthening your cartilage in that area.
This procedure leads to good results that can repair your knees in a much less invasive way. Unlike with surgery, you won’t be down for a long period of time. Instead, you’ll be up and moving around while those stem cells do what they need to.
These stem cells, as we already mentioned, come from your body. They are made up of a combination of bone marrow cells, platelet-rich plasma (blood that has been placed in a centrifuge and then spun, separating its components in order to extract the red blood cells), and adipose cells, which are essentially fat cells. These components are combined in order to form the Mesenchymal stem cells that are used in this treatment.
Surgery is generally seen as a last attempt to fix a knee that has been broken down by osteoarthritis or body tissue that has been damaged in some way. Although surgery does work like it’s supposed to, it requires quite a bit of healing time. Plus, there are risks any time that you need to be put under anesthesia. As a result, some people may not qualify for surgery or even want to undergo the procedure. This is why these orthobiologic options are used first. They are designed to help you heal without forcing you to undergo a lengthy procedure. Plus, they are known to work in many cases. There are some additional options to choose from as well, including things like physical therapy and medications. All of them will be explored first. Surgery is no longer the go-to option.
To learn more about your non-surgical options for relief, contact us today at Dr Kevin Darr’s clinic.
