During the course of my office day on Tuesday, two patients happened to return for follow-up, both five years after having undergone Bone Marrow Concentrate and Growth Factor Concentrate interventions to arthritic knees. While two patients are not statistically significant evidence, the anecdotes are worth reporting and thus contribute to the documentation of a minimum of five-year successes with Cellular and Structural orthobiologic applications for arthritis.
The first woman was in her late 30s when she presented with fairly advanced, post-traumatic arthritis in her right knee altering her function and imposing work-related restrictions. She had already received several recommendations for a Total Knee Replacement. Can you imagine the short-term possible complications and long-term consequences of a prosthetic joint in an athletic young woman? I will answer the question: revision after revision leading to a cane and a couch potato lifestyle. Somehow, the patient had learned about my approach to an arthritic joint using a needle instead of a knife so five years ago, she underwent a biologic application to the structural defects in her arthritic joint. Her reason for the office visit this past Tuesday was a new injury to the right knee while sliding into second base in a softball game. For the past five years, beginning 12 weeks after the Biologic procedure. she had enjoyed an asymptomatic life without functional restrictions in the workplace or in her multiple athletic activities. The new X-rays were compatible with the absence of arthritic progression when compared to those of five years ago. My clinical approach was a “cortisone” injection to diminish or eliminate inflammation. I advanced a step-wise approach including six weeks of rehabilitation, a possible hyaluronic acid injection; and if need be, a repeat Bone Marrow Concentrate intervention. Most important, still, no reason for the patient to consider a prosthetic knee with the inherent limitations for a young, athletic woman. Repeat Bone Marrow Concentrate interventions are not only possible, but the outcomes are also actually better the second time around.
The second patient is a competitive Ball Room dancer in her early 70s. Five years ago, with a very arthritic knee having placed her on “injury reserve” and possible early, competitive dancing retirement, this highly motivated individual opted to undergo a Biologic Structural application rather than a joint replacement. Within several months she had returned to the ballroom, and over the last five years, she had participated in dance competitions all over the country. Two weekends ago, 24 hours after having performed a particularly difficult twist and turn in a competitive event, the knee became swollen and painful with restricted motion. On Tuesday, I completed Platelet Rich Plasma application as there was little sign of inflammation by the time she had arrived in my office. Just as in the anecdote about the subject in my second paragraph, she will return in several weeks and might or could require a viscosupplementation injection, or a repeat PRP, or a more complex Stem Cell, Growth Factor, and structural application. Owing to biologics, a Knee Replacement has been delayed for five years without compromise in lifestyle. My goal for this patient is to return her to the dance floor for another five years or more with a needle instead of a knife.
If you would like to learn more about the care of an arthritic joint with Stem Cells, Orthobiologics, and Growth Factors, call (312) 475-1893 to schedule an appointment. You may visit my website www.sheinkopmd.com.