The case for a repeat Bone Marrow Concentrate intervention
This week, I am repeating stem cell/growth factor interventions in two patients; one with arthritis of the
hip, and the other with osteoarthritis of both knees. Four years ago, at the initiation of my interventional
orthopedic practice, I spoke of adult mesenchymal stem cells alone but now we know that Bone Marrow
Concentrate has in addition to the adult mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, growth
factors and platelets all playing a role in managing the symptoms and the altered functional impairment
attributable to osteoarthritis. The outgrowth is in new speak; namely, Bone Marrow Concentrate and not
just mesenchymal stem cells. When the two patients I alluded to were initially cared for, we had not yet
gained the understanding of the importance of platelets in the regenerative process. Platelets contain
the growth factors and those growth factors are responsible, in addition to Mesenchymal and
Hematopoietic Stem Cells, for regulating cartilage well-being. By having become aware of the
contribution following concentrated platelet rich plasma in conjunction with the bone marrow
concentrate intervention, I believe we are already seeing improved outcomes.
As well, subchondroplasty has been added to our menu of services and the latter is proving very
beneficial in the knee. To refresh your knowledge base, subchondroplasty is a procedure popularized in France where in bone marrow concentrate is injected into the bone marrow adjacent to a joint at the
same time that the stem cell, growth factors and platelet containing concentrate is intervention of the
joint itself is being completed. The value of intervening into the bone supporting the joint is the fact that
there is communication between the joint itself and the supportive subchondral environment. I have
addressed Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells many times in previous Blogs as the orchestrater of the
healing process. Now we know that Hemopoietic Stem Cells from the marrow contribute as well. Growth
Factors such as Interlukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) are present in bone marrow and
circulating blood; It was IRAP alone that extended the professional basketball career of Kobe Bryant by
seven years for an arthritic knee. With an improved means of extracting and activating the growth
factors contained in platelets, the two patients I introduced in the opening sentences of this blog should
enjoy a very satisfactory return to function and recreation.
Interventional Orthopedics is a dynamic process and I continue to learn from the integration of clinical
research and my clinical practice. On Thursday, I will host two very interested scientists dedicated to
customizing biologic preparations and together we will explore how to further leverage scientific
advancements in creating autologous biologic preparations thereby optimizing the practice of
Regenerative Medicine.
Call 312 475 1893 to schedule your consultation
Tags: arthritis, bone marrow, Clinical Trial. Mitchell B. Sheinkop, Concentrated Stem Cell Plasma, Growth Factors, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Interlukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein, IRAP, joint replacement, Osteoarthritis, Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP, Regenerative Pain Center