There is a lot of confusion in the public and professional mindset concerning the field of Stem Cell management for arthritis; even in the clinical literature concerning the generation of Platelet Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Concentrate and their uses in treating orthopedic pathologies. In particular, the lack of quantitative analysis on the compositions of PRP and BMC injectates hinders the discussion about which composition might be most therapeutic for which pathologic site. In my practice over the past year, I have been using the services of Greyledge Technologies (a company founded to provide customizable PRP and BMC preparations along with a hemoanalysis of the pre- and post-processing patient materials). Additionally, there is no clinical means of quantitating or customizing adipose tissue for stem cells or growth factors nor is there a means of qualitating or quantitating that which is injected. The same may be applied to amniotic fluid, cord blood or Wharton’s jelly-based product.
Over the years, I have followed the trends in the literature and statements made at conferences, most of which are unsupported with truly quantitative hemoanalysis of the injectates. There are a few of us who integrate clinical practice with outcomes surveillance, hence, practicing evidence based cellular orthopedics; but the majority of clinic claims are based on repetition of what a salesman tells the clinician. At same time though, I am willing to investigate any new happenings in the discipline of regenerative medicine and I would like to report the results of an intervention last week into the hip of a 57-year old man with advanced posttraumatic osteoarthritis who has not enjoyed long term benefits from efforts at minimizing his hip-based impairment. I had been recently made aware of a new development for osteoarthritis. At this time, a confidentiality agreement precludes me from expanding the discussion. When the patient came to my office last Friday, he was cane dependent and limping indicating that the pain in his hip had returned and he no longer could enjoy a night of rest owing to hip pain. Yesterday, he advised us that he was free of pain, had slept through the night and was able to walk without assistance. While it is true, an anecdote is not a series; it is a start. While my practice is evidence based, drawing from our large data base, please be assured that while I constantly learn from the past and practice in the present, I also look to the future. To learn more schedule an appointment by calling
(847)390-7666. You may visit my web site at www.sheinkopmd.com