As we look to the year ahead, I have taken the time to review the outcomes of the several types of Stem Cell, Regenerative, and Biologic interventions for knee arthritis that I completed over the last ten years and the first half of 2021. As an evidence-based practice integrating clinical care with clinical research, I move forward by studying the past in addition to the present and future.
Patient Experience | Evidence-Based Care
In my practice, before undertaking a cellular orthopedic intervention of any kind, an orthopedic history, physical examination, and review of images including X-rays and MRIs are completed. The images are then graded using standard radiologic and orthopedic assessment methodology. Then comes the recommendation for that type of Stem cell, Proprietary Platelet Rich Plasma, or other Biologic/Cellular Orthopedic intervention that might be beneficial. If you have been or when you do become a patient, not only do I evaluate you; an associate performs an objective physical assessment and records those findings in a database. It is via the database monitoring your orthopedic impairments prior to treatment and during return visits over the years that provide me with the evidence as to how to best diminish, hopefully, eliminate your symptoms and improve the functional capacity of the arthritic joint.
It becomes readily apparent that the majority of those who have not enjoyed a satisfactory outcome to a biologic/cellular intervention; there is advanced patellofemoral arthritis in addition to the structural changes affecting the tibial femoral joint compartments. There are three compartments in the knee: 1) the inner or medical tibial-femoral compartment, 2) the lateral or outer tibial-femoral compartment, and 3) the patella-femoral compartment. Patellofemoral arthritis affects the underside of the patella (kneecap) and the channel-like groove in the femur (thighbone) in which the patella rests and glides. Difficulty in kneeling, squatting, climbing, ascending or descending stairs, and getting in and out of a chair are all the result of patellofemoral arthritis.
Given the above, it is mandatory that a skyline or Merchant View be included in the pretreatment radiologic assessment. In designing the treatment protocol for a Stem Cell, Platelet Rich Plasma, collagen application, or other biologic knee intervention; my informed consent for those with advanced patellofemoral arthritis, will now include the need for a repeat injection should a patient not have an initial satisfactory outcome within 12 weeks of the initial treatment.
To schedule a consultation, call (312) 475-1893. You may visit my blog at www.sheinkopmd.com
As far as clinical trials are concerned, the next Personalized Stem Cell trial wherein we use adipose-derived stem cells (Stromal Vascular Fraction-SVF) will be submitted to the FDA for approval in the upcoming weeks. You may follow the timeline at www.PersonalizedStemCells.com. For those with structural joint defects as documented in an MRI, we offer participation in an observational trial at this time if you meet the inclusion criteria.
If you have symptoms and altered function owing to an arthritic joint, give yourself a holiday present by calling (312) 475-1893 to schedule a consultation.