While surfing the internet this morning, I was amazed by the multiple websites marketing umbilical cord, placental tissue, and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells for every disease known to mankind; but then I realized, you would have to leave town for some foreign country to be treated by those charlatans. On the other hand, there are ways to gain access to “Kosher”; that is FDA-approved Regenerative Medicine methodologies in this country. The options include multiple Platelet Rich Plasma alternatives, Bone Marrow Concentrate, and evolving Liposuction processing technologies.
Platelet Rich Plasma is a generic term covering a range of possibilities; all dependent on growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction, stimulate tissue regeneration and may help treat osteoarthritis-related pain and joint stiffness by modulating the joint environment and reducing inflammation. A vena-puncture allows recovery of your blood that when placed in a centrifuge allows for recovery of your concentrated platelets. The latter is then suspended in your plasma and injected into the arthritic joint. As an example, this morning, I had X-rays completed of both my knees. Whereas three years ago, I had no joint space between my patella (knee cap) and my femur (thigh bone) on either side, the images today indicated a very healthy amount of joint space. Is the increase of joint space apparent from the X-ray technique or real? All can say is that I have had three biologic applications to my knees over the past three years.
Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) requires the aspiration of your bone marrow from your pelvis. The liquid bone marrow is then concentrated in a centrifuge and then filtered. Contained in the BMC are stem cells, platelets, growth factor proteins, precursor cells, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and more. The Bone Marrow Concentrate will then be injected into your arthritic joint or joints.
When adipose tissue (fat) is recovered, usually from your abdomen by mini-liposuction, the fat may be micronized by mechanical means or treated to allow recovery of stem cells known as Stromal Vascular Fraction. Accompanying the several different stem cell types stored in fat are growth factors and other biologically active components.
The challenge in the present Cellular Orthopedic environment is to stay abreast of emerging technologies and still remain FDA compliant. The new office settings starting with 618 West Fullerton in Chicago opening on January 1, 2023, followed by a Glenview office in February will allow for one of the most advanced Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Orthopedic opportunities in the Midwest. You may schedule an appointment by calling (847)390-7666 until December 31, 2022; thereafter, call (312) 475-1893. You may also visit my website at www.sheinkopmd.com.