Nov 24, 2014
Patient dissatisfaction following total knee replacement is a growing concern. An article appearing in the November issue of the Bone and Joint Journal focused on a questionnaire in the United Kingdom attempted to quantify the degree of patient satisfaction and residual symptoms following knee replacements. I decided to focus on this subject after having completed a consultation for a 70 year old woman who four years ago, had undergone a bilateral total knee replacement that went on to fail in 24 months. She then underwent a bilateral revision or repeat total knee replacement and is left with inability to fully straighten either side or bend the right and left knee more than 80 degrees. She is severely handicapped. I don’t know what her arthritic impairment had been prior to the original surgery but there really isn’t much to offer her now. What an awful situation.
The article to which I alluded above reports that somewhere between 35 to 54% of those surveyed reported residual symptoms and functional problems and general dissatisfaction. Those who regularly read my Blog might remember a similar result that I reported about in a Canadian survey of patients who had undergone Total Knee Replacement five years earlier. In the current study, neither the use of contemporary prosthetic designs or custom cutting guides improved patient perceived outcomes. The data clearly shows a degree of dissatisfaction and residual symptoms following Total Knee Replacement and those recent modifications in implant design and surgical technique have not improved the current situation
Activity Levels and Functional Outcomes of Young Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty
In yet another journal reviewing Hip Replacement Outcomes, appearing this month in Orthopedics, patient dissatisfaction described greater hip symptoms and poorer hip-related quality of life in those under age 50 undergoing Total Hip Replacement than anticipated. It only makes sense to postpone a joint replacement until there is advanced arthritic impairment. Until then, our evidence in the laboratory and in the office clearly document that Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate has the potential to relieve pain, improve function, increase motion, and alter the actual molecular progress of the arthritic process.
Tags: arthritis, Bone Marrow Concentrate, Hip Replacement, Interventional Orthopedics, joint replacement, Knee Pain Relief, Mature Athlete, medicine, Orthopedic Surgeon, Osteoarthritis, Pain Management, Regenerative, stem cells
Oct 27, 2014
I refuse to ignore the 50-plus demographic; that patient population is enormous and growing. According to a Nielson study, by 2017 boomers will control 70 percent of the country’s disposable income. Aging athlete, you are relevant. Additionally, as you are learning, there is an ever increasing deductable in your indemnification. That fiscal obligation could be used as an investment in your athletic future. Let me cite several examples of what is possible through Cellular Orthopedics.
Last year at this time, a 57 year old man presented with an arthritic left hip and had already received several orthopedic surgical recommendations for a left total hip replacement. Having learned about my work from the internet, he decided to get educated about the new world of regenerative medicine made possible through Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate. As the father of two teen age boys, he was concerned about a major surgical procedure and the inherent risks. He underwent a Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in late November. When seen in late January, he reported that he had planned to take his two sons skiing in Colorado over their Easter vacation. Last week, he came in for assessment, reported how thrilling it was to have skied with his family: and told me of his New Years reservations for a return skiing trip over the holiday break.
Another example is a soon to be 70 year old avid cyclist and skier who had to stop skiing three years ago because of two arthritic knees. Just as the above individual, he had been advised by several orthopedic surgeons to undergo joint replacements. I shared with him, the activity scale results of patients who undergo a bilateral total knee replacement and compared them with my data base of outcomes for patients with arthritic knees who undergo stem cell interventions. It is now two years later and he has already booked two weeks of helicopter skiing in 2015 and a week with his family skiing in Colorado in February.
A study in 2007 found that 70% of boomers would change home appliance brands and slightly more would switch clothing preferences. Medicine is constantly changing, especially the providers as are surgical techniques and non surgical options. Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells and growth factors with cytokines contained in the Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate carry little risk and great potential to eliminate pain, increase function, help you maintain an active athletic profile; alter the natural history of the arthritic progression and perhaps even influence cartilage regeneration. There will always be an opportunity to undergo a joint replacement but wouldn’t it be better to maintain or return to a high quality of recreational performance with little or no risk and no incisions?
Tags: arthritis, athletes, Benefits and Risk, bone marrow, Bone Marrow Concentrate, Hip Replacement, Interventional Orthopedics, joint replacement, Knee Pain Relief, Mature Athlete, medicine, Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedics, Osteoarthritis, Pain Management, Regenerative, Regenexx-SD, stem cells, treatment
May 3, 2014
Much of what I write in this Blog is about the musculoskeletal care of the aging athlete. From time to time, I am reminded though that the arthritic changes in a joint may start before the usual aging process ensues. This week, I received an inquiry from a 23-year-old man as to whether he might be a candidate for stem cells based on advanced arthritic changes in his knee. An orthopedic surgeon had just told him that there was little alternative than a joint replacement in the foreseeable future.
Then came the following e-mail greeting from a patient in whom I had performed a stem cell right and left knee intervention about 18 months ago.
Hello Dr. Sheinkop,
While on my way to the health club today walking through the parking lot I marveled how wonderful my knees felt carrying me and my 20 lb. bag of equipment strapped on my shoulder. I felt I was walking a very natural gate with no sign of limp. Was it all in my head ? No way… I was with ” happy knees ” and I feel good.
Inside the health club I met an old friend that I have not seen since the first of the year he was still on crutches since last fall caused by an infection somewhere in his body that wound up on his needing a second knee replacement , the original he has had over ten years. In March he had his replacement. He told me about the surgery ordeal that he had undergone which resulted with a two hour knee replacement, and then an eight hour procedure with another surgeon to do tendon ” whatever”. He is still on crutches and a leg length brace…looking forward to June when he feels things will be better.
I remember him as a tall, massive muscular strong handsome man who was quite an athlete. His physical appearance today seems to be a shell of his former self…his whole body seems to atrophied….. I wish him the best.
We had met 18 months ago, and I discussed the Regennex procedure and my decision to go ahead with this…. I got the impression from him it was “hocus pocus” as he pounded his fist into his artificial knee and proclaimed “these are the best , they can last forever” !
R.R.
Tags: arthritis, Clinical Trial. Mitchell B. Sheinkop, joint replacement, Knee, Mature Athlete, Osteoarthritis
Oct 3, 2013
I am doing excellent after my last treatment. Last weekend, I did (6) Spin classes and played 18 holes of golf on Tuesday.
Regarding a reference, I would welcome the opportunity to talk with a patient who is considering Regenexx SD procedure. You can have the patient call me directly or if necessary I could meet them personally. I am a true believer and willing to tell my story !
Thank you for the opportunity !
Sep 18, 2013
Hello Dr. Sheinkop,
I am contacting you ten days after having received the P. L. booster per your request.
I have tolerated the injections well with no after affects, except for tenderness the first few days, the following were my activities over this time.
I start my day walking two miles every morning, health club early afternoon, and had the time for two rounds of golf. Over these past ten days I also was able to remodel a washroom in my home which included shopping for materials, removing old, installing the new sink, toilet, light fixture, medicine cabinet, painting, caulking, while carrying, kneeling, stooping, stretching, scraping, lifting, pushing, and tip toeing on a ladder. I experienced occasional aching and stiffness at times in both knees…. but so would the guy with no knee issues. I’ve learned that by getting up and moving these minor problems go away.
I feel GOOD, lets play TWO!
Thank you,
Jun 28, 2013
Mitch –
I think you can count me among your successes. It’s truly amazing to me that you were so deft in choosing appropriate treatments for me.
I’ve been freely sharing (boasting) of my treatments and recovery details. Last evening Nancy had her book group here, including someone who had a knee replaced several months ago. She was in personal chaos during recovery–endless pain, extended insomnia. She finally made a “full” recovery but still can’t pull her lower leg fully to her thigh. I can do that now!
I wouldn’t be surprised if you hear from some people I know.
Thanks tons. I will send you an expanded recovery log next week.
