Archive for category Osteoarthritis
Total hip replacement, what can go wrong
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Hip Pain, Metal on Metal Hip Implants, Osteoarthritis, Regenerative Pain Center, Stem Cells on May 9, 2012
Introduction and background
While the benefits of total hip replacements are numerous, there is a known incidence of associated pain leading to early revision. Have attempts at improving the prosthetic implant, shortened lengths of hospital stay, minimally invasive procedures and metal on metal bearings been a process of revolution or as in the case of Gulliver, devolution?
The goal of the surgeon has historically been pain relief and a 20-year plus satisfactory outcome when performing a total hip. More recently, survivorship prioritization seems to have been replaced by restoration of hip anatomical geometry, thereby optimizing muscle tension and strength, equalization of leg lengths, and enhancement of hip stability all via modularity. The newer generations of prostheses have been designed in an attempt to facilitate and accommodate the latest fads in surgical approaches so as to lessen the scar length, perhaps minimize muscle damage-still a matter of debate-and return the patient to full activity status in days or weeks rather than months.
I just received an AMA alert that by 2030, 42% of Americans will be obese. Short incision, less hospital stay, prompt return to activity, who are we kidding? Lets look more closely at the cost of supposed progress in the newest prosthetic designs.
Metal Fretting and Corrosion. This has been reported with cobalt chrome and cobalt chrome- titanium junctions. The more modularity and junctions between metals, the more potential metal debris generation. Metal on metal bearings produce small metallic wear debris. Furthermore, elevated blood serum ion levels and metal hypersensitivity resulting in an adverse local tissue reaction may occur with metal-metal articulate surface bearings causing premature failure due to osteolysis, aseptic loosening and pseudo tumor formation.
So what should you do and look for whether or not you are in pain after a total hip replacement?
Evaluation for infection-a screening serum ESR, C-Reactive Protein, and WBC. If any of these are abnormal, a hip aspiration need be performed.
Serum metal ion levels-serum chromium ion levels above 17ug/L and cobalt ion levels above 19ug/L suggest metallosis within the joint. Pseudotumors have been found at lower levels and are identified by ultrasound and CT scans. In the United Kingdom, the cut off level is 7 parts per billion (7ppb) chromium or cobalt.
Metal hypersensitivity-Nickel is the worst offender but chromium and cobalt may play a role. The problem is the area is still poorly understood with the only available testing including patch testing and the lymphocyte transformation test.
Radiographic analysis-Your physician will look for signs of loosening, osteolysis and pseudotumor formation
If you have a painful total hip replacement, you need an evaluation.
There is another consideration, postpone or avoid the replacement. Might Regenerative medicine and stem cell management, help control you pain and possibly postpone or even help avoid a total joint replacement?
Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D.
847-390-7666 or 312-475-1893
1565 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Arthroscopic Treatment of Osteoarthritis doesn’t work
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Hip Arthroscopy, knee, Osteoarthritis, Stem Cells on May 1, 2012
Might minimally invasive stem-cell treatment for conditions causing knee or hip pain secondary to common injuries or other degenerative problems be a substitute treatment for arthroscopy or even total joint replacement? If you are experiencing joint impairment and the MRI is “positive”, the pain is most probably due to the bio-immune and inflammatory changes of degenerative joint disease and “wear and tear” arthritis rather than a torn meniscus or acetabular labrum. You may want to investigate Bone Marrow Concentrate derived stem cell management rather than undergoing a surgical procedure of the hip or knee.
Traditional options for patients suffering from joint pain and altered life style include arthroscopic surgery or total joint replacement. With both surgeries, months of rehab are required, the outcome is not guaranteed and the patient must be aware of and prepared to take on the risks.
Original Article
Incidental Meniscal Findings on Knee MRI in Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons
Martin Englund, M.D., Ph.D., Ali Guermazi, M.D., Daniel Gale, M.D., David J. Hunter, M.B.,B.S., Ph.D., Piran Aliabadi, M.D., Margaret Clancy, M.P.H., and David T. Felson, M.D., M.P.H.
N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1108-1115September 11, 2008
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is often performed in patients who have knee symptoms of unclear cause. When meniscal tears are found, it is commonly assumed that the symptoms are attributable to them. The prevalence of a meniscal tear or of meniscal destruction in the painful knee as detected on MRI ranged from 19% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15 to 24) among women 50 to 59 years of age to 56% (95% CI, 46 to 66) among men 70 to 90 years of age. Among persons with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 2 or higher, on a scale of 0 to 4, with higher numbers indicating more definite signs of osteoarthritis), the prevalence of a meniscal tear was 63% among those with knee pain, aching, or stiffness on most days and 60% among those without these symptoms. The corresponding prevalence among persons without radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis was 32% and 23%. Sixty-one percent of the subjects who had meniscal tears in their knees had not had any pain, aching, or stiffness during the previous month.
Conclusions
Incidental meniscal findings on MRI of the knee are common in the general population and increase with increasing age.
What about the hip? Leah Ochoa published an article in CORR, 2010 that 87% of patients with hip pain have at least one finding of Femoral Acetabular Impingement on X-ray with a high rate of labral tears found on asymptomatic volunteers. The message, if you have less than 2mm of joint space on an X-ray, the problem does not lend itself to hip arthroscopy. If you have any reduced motion of your hip and a “positive” MRI for a labral tear, don’t treat the MRI, look further. Might stem cell management help avoid or postpone surgery? Call to learn more
Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D.
1565 N. LaSalle Street . Chicago . Illinois . 60610
312-475-1893
The Botox for your frame, Stem Cells
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Osteoarthritis, Platelet Rich Plasma, Stem Cells on April 25, 2012
Musculoskeletal Care of the Mature Patient
The number one reason in the United States for a trip to a physician has to do with pain arising in the musculoskeletal system, especially in the Boomers and maturing athletes. Might regenerative medicine and stem cells provide an extended warranty for your frame? That was my basic question when I attended the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons continued medical education course last weekend “Advances in Care of the Aging Athlete”. What was generally reinforced is that the number one way to stay healthy and young is through fitness and sports; stay active on an aging frame. In other words put old on hold. Certainly proper nutrition is a key component as is Resveratrol and maybe testosterone supplementation for Manopause. Woman beware, hormone replacement therapy is generally not good for your health.
In the end though, the real problem is cartilage deterioration with age be it from genetics, congenital, developmental insult or trauma. The recent media attention to stem cells has introduced a clinical possibility of changing the natural history of progression of degenerative arthritis and perhaps even reversing the programmed death of cells. Peyton Manning went to Europe for stem cells in the neck, Governor Perry chose Asia for his back and Terrell Owens returned to football after stem cell intervention in Korea. You all probably are aware of the Fred Couples, Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez having returned to top performance with the assistance of regenerative medicine. By harvesting Mesenchymal Stem cells form you bone marrow and concentrating them, the injectate is the best of all potential immune modulators with the greatest possible ant-inflammatory effect. There are a large number of animal studies confirming the efficacy of stem cell management of cartilage; such clinical treatment is now the standard of care in the veterinarian world, particularly with the injured or arthritic hoarse. As well, there is an emerging body of science to support adult mesenchymal derived stem cell management of the aging human joint appearing in peer reviewed medical journals. The International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases to illustrate, recently published an article concerning four patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee who experienced marked improvement with mesenchymal stem cell therapy. The problem is that for the most part, human clinical trials are taking place outside the United States. Enter Regenexx and its IRB clinical trial. That’s why I joined the Regenexx Network. To learn more, schedule an appointment.
On Restoration, Regeneration and Resurrection
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Hip Pain, knee, Osteoarthritis, Stem Cells on April 3, 2012
Musculoskeletal Care of the Mature Patient
I feel the pain. This weekend was spent with my wife chasing trout in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin and I am hurting. Walking down a creek for miles is an adventure that is unlike no other. I have no idea what this has to do with stem cells so let’s get back to the week to be, actually the month ahead.
Passover begins in the evening of Friday, April 6 and ends in the evening of Saturday, April 14
Easter is Sunday, April 8
Regenexx visit is Monday, April 9 to Wednesday, April 11
Biovision needlescope introductory to regenerative medicine, April 12
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery course “Advances in Care of the Aging Athelete” April 20 to April 22
I am undertaking an entire new direction as an orthopedic surgeon who performed and pioneered joint replacements for over 38 years. All I had to do was read the newspaper and listen to the media reports on orthopedic implant recalls to remind myself that someone from the orthopedic surgical community has to look ahead to alternative options for pain solutions. The AAOS course will address issues from stem cell and adjunctive therapies, nutrition, performance enhancing drugs, cutting edge regenerative and restorative treatments, and the application of other anti-aging substances and supplements for the shoulder, hip and knee-all with the goal of keeping patients well and at the top of their game. If you are severely impaired, then you still may need a joint replacement; but if you are still functional, there are viable alternatives to surgery. For the female athlete, I am developing an expanded approach to treatment and maintaining the opportunity to participate. My focus is personal and is somewhat brought about by my own interests, anti-aging and managing the aging process. Normal physiologic effects of aging affect participation in sports; reader, you are left to define the word sports. There is not necessarily a predictable positive impact of a joint replacement on function even if the implant is not recalled. If you want to analyze how cartilage regenerative techniques may apply to you in the new world of regenerative stem cell based medicine, call for an appointment. I will work with you to determine appropriate non-operative and minimally invasive stem cell treatment plans for mature adult “athletes” with traumatic, degenerative and arthritic conditions particularly related to the knee, hip and shoulder.
Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D.
847-390-7666 or 312-475-1893
1564 N. La Salle St
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Saving umbilical cord blood
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Cord Blood, Osteoarthritis, Regenerative Pain Center, Stem Cells on March 15, 2012
In the beginning, there was an umbilical cord. The blood in that cord was and is an invaluable source of stem cells that is unique to your body and family. These cells may be used to treat nearly 80 serious medical conditions at last count including leukemia, other cancers, and blood disorders. Cord blood stem cells are showing significant potential to treat conditions that have no cure today as juvenile diabetes and brain injury. Saving your baby’s or your grandchild’s cord blood secures the best treatment option for a healthy future.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “This revolutionary technology (regenerative medicine) has the potential to develop therapies for previously untreatable conditions. Examples of diseases regenerative medicine can cure include diabetes, heart disease, renal failure, osteoporosis, and spinal cord injuries. I am now ready to announce my personal entry into the new world of regenerative medicine in conjunction with the Regenerative pain Center by having joined the Regenexx network of physicians. I will start screening patients for bone marrow concentrate pilot study as of March 25th. The actual clinical process will be introduced at the beginning of May at the Regenerative Pain Center. There is as yet no assurance that bone marrow concentrate rich with autologous mesenchymal adult stem cells administered in to an arthritic joint will reverse arthritis or even stop progression but with the anecdotal observations around the country, I believe that as an orthopedic surgeon, I might or could be able to delay or avoid a joint replacement. Our pilot study will be the first step. In order to qualify, a patient will need to meet certain criteria determined by history, physical examination, X-ray and MRI. At times, a diagnostic out patient arthroscopic examination or prior treatment may be part of the program. For those who don’t qualify for the study, the patient may still seek treatment with a self-pay alternative.
Transplant medicine uses stem cells to help treat serious diseases, such as cancers and blood disorders. Regenerative medicine is a new and rapidly advancing area of medicine focusing on developing treatments using stem cells to repair damaged tissues and organs. The estimates to date that someone in your family will use stem cells in a lifetime include:
Transplant Medicine: 1 in 217
Regenerative Medicine: 1 in 3
I am thrilled to announce my entry in to the emerging stem cell application regenerative process. To learn more or see if you qualify, call the number listed below.
Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D.
847-390-7666
1565 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, Illinois, 60610
Bone Marrow Concentrate for Arthritis; the potential benefits and risks
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Hip Pain, knee, Osteoarthritis, Platelet Rich Plasma, Regenerative Pain Center, Stem Cells on March 8, 2012
Musculoskeletal Care of the Mature Patient
The potential benefit of regenerative medicine is avoidance of orthopedic surgery. That’s the goal and I am the orthopedic surgeon leading the charge. I have spent several years now investigating, meeting, traveling, learning and preparing for that reality with the start-up anticipated in mid-April. While there is anecdote about subjective improvement following autologous, mesenchymal, Bone Marrow Concentrate derived stem cells for management of arthritis, there are no peer reviewed published long-term clinical outcomes to the best of my knowledge. There have been testimonials by orthopedic surgeons that following the adjunctive use of stem cells in conjunction with arthroscopic micro fracture of an arthritis knee, when the patient subsequently underwent knee replacement, hyaline cartilage was observed growing rather than fibro cartilage. This is not good enough for me, as I want a procedure that will postpone the need for a joint replacement or possibly eliminate that need. Is it a matter of when to intervene with regenerative medicine? When there is major deformity of an arthritic joint, significant alteration in function and a “bone on bone” X-ray, it probably is too late. Will regenerative medical intervention delay the joint replacement by a three to five year control of pain by the anti-inflammatory nature of bone marrow concentrate or will the joint cartilage actually re-grow? These are unanswered questions and what I seek to learn as I embark on my clinical project
Recently, the orthopedic surgical spine community became aware of a fourfold risk of cancer in patients who underwent spinal fusion using Bone Morphogenic Protein to increase the likelihood of successful fusion. As a result, attention quickly was redirected to stem cells as an adjunct in spinal surgery to replace human BMP. As of this writing, I have found no evidence of carcinogenesis in conjunction with autologous, mesenchymal Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrated stem cells used in the skeleton and certainly not when used in a joint. The same might not be said when embryonic stem cells have been injected into the blood of patients to treat probably what shouldn’t be addressed with stem cells in the first place. Desperate people are not infrequently victims of charlatans as has been repeatedly pointed out on 60 Minutes. Contrast the risks of stem cell misdeeds with the benefits of scientific application. Today, the AMA News headline covered the potential for stem cells to eliminate the need for long-term anti-rejection pharmaceuticals in organ transplant recipients.
How to avoid orthopedic surgery by an orthopedic surgeon? Not just a mission statement by an ethos. Call to see if you are a candidate.
Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D.
847-390-7666
1565 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610
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Surfing the Internet for stem cell updates
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in knee, Osteoarthritis, Stem Cells on February 29, 2012
The New York Times (2/27, A8, Wade, Subscription Publication) reports, “Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital say they have extracted stem cells from human ovaries and made them generate egg cells.” The report, “if confirmed, might provide a new source of eggs for treating infertility, though scientists say it is far too early to tell if the work holds such promise.”
The AP (2/27) reports that lead researcher Jonathan Tilly of Massachusetts General Hospital “collaborated with scientists at Japan’s Saitama Medical University, who were freezing ovaries donated for research.”
Bloomberg News (2/27, Flinn) reports “stem cells from the ovaries were injected into human ovarian tissue that was then grafted under the skin of mice, which provided the blood supply that enabled growth.” In less than “two weeks, early stage human follicles with oocytes had formed.”
The Boston Globe (2/27, Johnson) reports, however, that “scientists not involved with the Mass. General research said such an approach – if it is even possible – sits far in the future and will require considerably more work.” A number of “scientists said Tilly, who cofounded a company focused on developing novel infertility treatments, had not yet made a convincing case that the stem cells he discovered can yield viable eggs, a critical first step.”
The Wall Street Journal (2/27, Naik, Subscription Publication) reports that the research, published in published in Nature Medicine, was funded by the National Institutes of Health, among others.
HealthDay (2/27, Goodwin) reports that although “it was long believed that women were born with a lifetime supply of eggs, which was depleted by menopause,” an increasing “body of research,” such as this study, “suggests egg production may continue into adulthood.” Also covering the story are MedPage Today (2/27, Bankhead) and WebMD (2/27, Goodman).
Regenexx Web Site KJ is in his late 70′s and was evaluated by us in 2008, after a lifetime of knee problems since a torn meniscus in the 1960′s. After multiple failed arthroscopic knee surgeries through the 2000′s, he was told he needed a knee replacement. His MRI showed complete loss of the meniscus in the left knee (which had been surgically removed in the 1960′s) and severe cartilage loss (bone on bone), so he was told that he was a fair-poor candidate for the procedure (his knee is featured in this prior blog post). He didn’t want a knee replacement, so he decided to give the procedure a try. We treated him with the Regenexx-C knee stem cell treatment as well as a barbotage procedure to remove bone spurs and some injections to tighten his very loose ACL knee ligament. His last update on how the knee did with stem cell treatment is here. I examined him today, more than 2.5 years after his knee stem cell injection and his knee still feels great. He walks several miles a day, climbs ladders and stairs, and works on home improvement projects, all without significant pain other than mild stiffness now and then. His exam showed no significant tenderness or swelling. Looks like KJ was able to dodge the knee replacement bullet long-term because of an injection of his own stem cells and an Interventional Orthopedics approach
I am off to Regenexx on Friday.
Hand Surgery Alternative for Arthritis and Injury
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Hand, Osteoarthritis on February 21, 2012
I have recently seen an increasing number of patients with altered function of their hands because of pain or reduced range of motion due to common injuries, overuse, basal joint arthritis/osteoarthritis, or other degenerative problems.
Thumb arthritis (or basal joint arthritis) can appear early in life. Because of the constant swiveling and pivoting motions of the basal joint–the joint at the base of the thumb, or thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) joint–the thumb joint tends to wear out easily. Basal joint arthritis is also common in people who have osteoarthritis. As well, tendinitis in the wrist and hand is rampant because of over use of the computer mouse and improper ergonomics.
One way to treat the arthritic condition is with total joint reconstruction surgery. Perhaps over use syndromes may be reduced via voice recognition software but I personally still need to edit and then correct about 15% of my dictations. While surgery may improve the condition for some, this is not the case for all. New problems in the thumb joint may redevelop over time, causing such symptoms as numbness or tenderness. Then there is amazing increase in the occurrence of trigger finger and De Quervains Disease; both which lend themselves to ultrasound guided injection.
A reasonably successful approach to all of these wrist and hand problems is to start with an ultrasound guided intraarticular cortisone injection. Should the latter be of short-term relief, then platelet rich plasma may be successful for a longer period. Before considering the surgical alternative, be aware that Regenexx has published the outcome of 6 patients who were just under a year out (11.3 months) from treatment with their own stem cells 83.4% of thumb patients are reporting greater than 50% improvement after a simple injection of their own stem cells, 66.7% of thumb patients are reporting greater than 75% improvement and the average change is 70% improved. No significant complications in this group were reported.
If you have pain in your hand or wrist, start with a change in the ergonomics in your work place. Most office suppliers have the necessary mechanical devices available. The next step is an arthritic glove available in most large drug stores. If unsuccessful, the next step is an ultrasound guided injection of cortisone, platelet rich plasma and then stem cells in that order when all else fails.
Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D.
847-390-7666
1565 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60622
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An experimental treatment offered for sale is not the same as a clinical trial.
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in knee, Osteoarthritis, Platelet Rich Plasma, Regenerative Pain Center, Stem Cells on February 6, 2012
Musculoskeletal Care of the Mature Athlete
As I move closer to actually starting up the Bone Marrow Concentrate Stem Cell Pilot Study, I will continue to educate the perspective patient seeking to enjoy relief from arthritis of the hip and knee without a joint replacement. The delay is based on our having to wait for Institutional Review Board approval of our clinical trial. The fact that a procedure is experimental does not automatically mean that it is part of a research study or clinical trial. A responsible clinical trial can be characterized by a number of key features. There is preclinical data supporting that the treatment being tested is likely to be safe and effective. Before starting, there is oversight by an independent group such as an Institutional Review Board or medical ethics committee that protect patients’ rights, and in many countries the trial is assessed and approved by a national regulatory agency, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The study itself is designed to answer specific questions about a new treatment or a new way of using current treatments, often with a control group to which the group of people receiving the new treatment is compared. While historically, the cost of the new treatment and trial monitoring is defrayed by the company developing the treatment or by local or national government funding; to date that has not occurred with stem cell trials in the United States. It takes an average of seven years and $750,000,000 to develop a new pharmaceutical therapy. With the rapidity in evolution of regenerative medicine, so far, no company has been identified that is willing to underwrite the expenses of a stem cell Trial. At the same time, beware of expensive treatments that have not passed successfully through clinical trials.
Responsibly conducted clinical trials are critical to the development of new treatments as they allow us to learn whether these treatments are safe and effective. I believe there is enough clinical experience to support a Pilot Study with Adult, Autogenous, Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells. First no harm and a then reasonable chance of restoring function. To find out if you would qualify for the Pilot Study, contact Jennifer at 312-475-1893 ext.15
FDA Warning on Stem Cells
Posted by Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D. in Osteoarthritis, Regenerative Pain Center, Stem Cells on January 12, 2012
Because of the 60 Minute Television program exposing fraud in the marketing of Stem Cells last Sunday, I feel it necessary to preempt the previously announced blog for this week with a word or more of caution. Sometimes called the body’s “master cells,” stem cells are the precursor cells that develop into blood, brain, bones and all of your organs. When used as a medical treatment, there is the potential to repair, restore, replace and regenerate cells and thereby treat many medical conditions and diseases including arthritis.
But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned that the hope, which patients have for cures not yet available, may leave them vulnerable to unscrupulous providers of stem cell treatments that are illegal and potentially harmful. Witness the Sunday night episode of 60 Minutes.
FDA cautions consumers to make sure that any stem cell treatment they are considering has been approved by FDA or is being studied under a clinical investigation that has been submitted to and allowed to proceed by FDA.
Regulation of Stem Cells
FDA regulates stem cells in the U.S. to ensure that they are safe and effective for their intended use.
Stem Cells that come from bone marrow or blood are routinely used in transplant procedures to treat patients with cancer and other disorders of the blood and immune system.
Why my Pilot Study and then Clinical Trial? As part of these studies, I must show how the product will be harvested and prepared so that FDA can make certain appropriate steps are being taken to help assure the product’s safety, purity and potency.
Consumers need to be aware that at present—other than cord blood for certain specified indications—there are no approved stem cell products.
Advice for Consumers
- If you are considering stem cell treatment in the U.S., ask your physician if the necessary FDA approval has been obtained or if you will be part of an FDA-regulated clinical study. This also applies if the stem cells are your own. Even if the cells are yours, there are safety risks, including risks introduced when the cells are manipulated after removal.“There is a potential safety risk when you put cells in an area where they are not performing the same biological function as they were when in their original location in the body. Cells in a different environment may multiply, form tumors, or may leave the site you put them in and migrate somewhere else.
- If you are considering having stem cell treatment in another country, learn all you can about regulations covering the products in that country. Exercise caution before undergoing treatment with a stem cell-based product in a country that—unlike the U.S.—may not require clinical studies designed to demonstrate that the product is safe and effective. FDA does not regulate stem cell treatments used solely in countries other than the United States and typically has little information about foreign establishments or their stem cell products. China has recently announced a governmental mandated regulation of a prior free for all in the stem cell market.
- To reemphasize my approach to realizing the promise of stem cell management of arthritis; treatment at the Regenerative Pain Center will only be offered via Pilot Study or Clinical Trial under FDA governance and IRB regulation. Your cells will be harvested from your own bone marrow, concentrated, and administered to your arthritic joint.
Mitchell B. Sheinkop, M.D.
1565 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
847-390-7666
