Apr 30, 2018
In the ongoing initiative to remain in the forefront of cellular orthopedic offerings for arthritis, “a needle, not a knife”, it was time to advance my skills when dealing with low back pain. About 70% of my patients, in addition to major joint disease, present with degenerative disc and facet joint generated symptoms. At times, it is difficult to determine as to whether hip and knees symptoms come from those joints or are referred from the low back so off I went for Continuing Education. Arriving in San Jose on Thursday, mid- day, and activating my cell phone to see how the world might have changed over the past 4 1/2 hours during my flight, I found an e-mail from my daughter, a physical therapist:
Jack Nicklaus reveals his secret, experimental stem cell therapy in CNN interview
“I’m not a doctor, but I think that stem cell is going to change…the direction of orthopedics, totally,” Nicklaus said, remarking the procedure has given him the opportunity to keep teeing it up. “As long as my stem cells allow me…Golf is a game of a lifetime, I hope to play for my lifetime”. –Joel Beall
How about that one for timing; thank you CNN. Now we may add to the list of celebrities who have undergone regenerative medicine interventions but golfing great Jack Nicklaus deserves special attention. Unlike the star athletes who continually undergo stem cell and PRP interventions so as to compete such as Fred Couples, Steph Curry and an ever- increasing list; Nicklaus underwent a restorative procedure to his back so he could just enjoy a painless round of golf. It is Sunday and I am headed home. Now I am better prepared to help you restore your active lifestyle and overcome limitations imposed by osteoarthritis in a major joint or the low back.
The algorithm of care requires an office assessment and review of images including X-rays, MRIs and at times, a CT scan. Whether further preliminary study is needed will be subsequently determined; and I emphasize, the process may not be “one and done”. After age 45, it more often than not restoration, not regeneration, so maintenance may periodically be needed. Last of all, the improvement following any regenerative or restorative intervention may take 6 to 12 weeks at a minimum.
The next step is your phone call to schedule a consultation. (312) 475-1893
You may view my web site and watch the webinar at www.Ilcellulartherapy.com
A website update to include the low back is forthcoming
Tags: arthritis, degenerative disc, jack nicklaus, low back pain, lumbar pain, Osteoarthritis, regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy
Feb 16, 2018
I am sitting at my computer this morning writing the weekly Blog posting and not attending the IOF meeting taking place today in Broomfield, Colorado; yet I am reporting about the meeting. Instead of attending, I am preparing for a week-long ski adventure with my family next week in Vail, Colorado while trying to catch up in my practice. How is it than possible that I know what is taking place at the meeting? Listed below are five of the 10 ongoing or completed cellular orthopedic clinical trials in which I am a principal investigator or co-researcher. The preliminary and final data resulting from these clinical research initiatives is the outcomes foundation for what is being presented at the IOF podium today and tomorrow.
1) Stem Cell Counts and the Outcome of Bone Marrow Concentrate intra-articular and intra-osseous (subchondroplasty) interventions at the knee for grades 2 and 3 OA. (supported in part by Celling). Ongoing
2) Outcomes of Bone Marrow Concentrate (stem cell, platelet and growth factor) Intervention at the Knee for Grades 2 and 3 OA in 50 patients at 2 to 4 years. (supported in part by Regenexx)
3) Outcomes of Intra-articular Bone Marrow Concentrate versus those of combined Intraarticular and Intraosseous interventions for grades 2 and 3 OA at the knee at one year. (self-funded). Ongoing
4) How does the PRP and Mononucleated cell count affect the outcome of a BMC intervention for grades 2 and 3 Knee OA? (a joint project with Greyledge) Ongoing
5) Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Injection of Micro-Fractured Adipose Tissue for grade 4 Osteoarthritic Knees, minimum follow-up of 18 months in 30 patients (supported in part by Lipogems)
I had to prioritize; and since most of the arthritis data being presented is all or in part mine, I already know the subject matter. By staying home, I also found the opportunity to browse “stem cell” websites as suggested by ads in today’s newspapers or introduced by email blasts this week. Wow, a patient acting more like a consumer is really at risk for succumbing to Regenerative Medicine “false news”.
If you want to learn more about the difference between the stem cell purveyors and a legitimate, FDA compliant, evidence based, cellular orthopedics initiative, call to schedule a consultation or to get a second opinion.
You may schedule a visit at (312) 475-1893
You may access my website and watch a webinar at www.ilcellulartherapy.com
Tags: arthritis, bone marrow, Celling, cellular orthopedics, Growth Factors, Hip pain, International Orthopedics Foundation, joint pain, knee arthritis, knee intervention, knee pain, lipogems, Micro-Fractured Adipose, Osteoarthritis, PRP, regenerative medicine, Regenexx, stem cells, Subchondroplasty
Jan 5, 2018
If you read my blog posting last week, you would have learned that I personally underwent a cellular orthopedic intervention to both of my knees on Wednesday, 12/27. The symptoms attributable to my own osteoarthritis had progressed to a degree that I was becoming limited in my recreational profile. While there indeed was a response to anti-inflammatory medications, every time I am reminded of the potential complications of NSAIDS, I become medication adverse. This led to the injection into both of my knees of an Autologous Protein Concentrate (APC) with the hope of treating my pain and slowing the progression of cartilage degradation and destruction of my knees.
The process used was a cell-concentration system which concentrated my own anti-inflammatory cytokines and anabolic growth factors. Pioneered in Europe, an ever-increasing number of professional athletes have been prolonging their careers by accessing this treatment. I have waited over five years for the Autologous Protein Concentrate methodology to become available in the United States; three weeks ago, I was granted access. To date, my pain secondary to knee osteoarthritis is not only reduced but gone; I can only hope it stays that way. My function is significantly improved as evidenced by an ability to have pursued my fly fishing passion chasing bone fish with my wife, daughter-in-law and son for three days in Ascension Bay, Mexico, over the New Year weekend. For those unfamiliar, bone fishing requires a continued down and up to a platform on the front of a three-man boat with prolonged standing while balancing. At times, I climbed out of the boat and waded through the flats for 30 to 45-minute intervals until it was time to change locations. Since returning home on January 1, I have been able to return to my fitness profile without restriction previously afforded by my Osteoarthritis generated symptoms and limitations.
As in any and all treatments, a patient must be given informed consent and be warned both of the benefits and risks; so, I will let you in on an adverse event in my early outcome. Owing to the increased activity attributable to the diminution of my pain and increased functional capacity resulting from my initial response to the Autologous Protein Concentrate intervention, instead of climbing down from the fly fishing platform in the front of our boat when it was time to trade places with my wife, I jumped down. In so doing, I kicked the rod holding rack and fractured the fifth toe on my left foot, the pinky toe. Though a bit of a nuisance, it is not too great a price to pay for the relief and improved function of my knees.
To learn more, call my office and schedule an appointment; as I haven’t yet updated my web site with an explanation of the Autologous Protein Concentrate intra-articular injection for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (312) 475-1893.
Tags: anti-inflammatory, arthritis, Autologous Protein Concentrate, cytokines, Growth Factors, Hip Replacement, horse, injection, Interventional Orthopedics, joint replacement, Knee Pain Relief, Osteoarthritis, Pain Management, regenerative medicine, rheumatoid arthritis, treatment, treatment of equine lameness
Dec 14, 2017
After my last blog was posted, a patient sent me a brochure she had received while attending a Regenerative Medicine Seminar focusing on how “stem cell therapy could change your life”. Within the brochure was a full page dedicated to how amniotic fluid stem cell therapy could treat ALS, Autoimmune Disease, Avascular Necrosis, Cartilage Damage, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Traumatic Brain Injury, to name just a few of the 30 listed conditions. The marketing hype went on to indicate “_________ is building the largest network of FDA compliant stem cell centers in the US.”
Last week I emphasized that in order to FDA compliant, Regenerative Medicine must follow several regulatory requirements:
- Minimal Manipulation of the cells or tissue bearing the cells
- Autologous source and homologous application
Minimal manipulation of cells means that they can not be cultured nor can tissues be treated with enzymes to release the stem cells. One such example is a prohibition on fat being subjected to the enzyme collagenase. In simple terms, it is contrary to FDA regulations to perform a liposuction, treat the recovered fat with an enzyme, and inject the cells into a joint or other skeletomuscular structure. As of this writing, I am still seeking clarification on using a mechanical means to emulsify the fat and use the end product in the musculoskeletal system.
Autologous is defined by Merriam-Webster as “involving one individual as both donor and recipient”. It then follows that it is contrary to FDA regulations to use the stem cells in amniotic fluid when recovered by amniocentesis in the musculoskeletal system of a different individual. Add to the latter, the fact that there are no living stem cells in amniotic fluid once sterilized, frozen or lyophilized for preservation and fast thawed for intervention.
Next, I will address homologous as “having the same relation, relative position, or structure” according to the Oxford dictionary. From the FDA oversite standpoint, you can’t put stem cells from amniotic fluid into a joint nor can you introduce fat into a joint. For those patients with arthritis and related orthopedic conditions, beware of the scammers, charlatans and camp followers. As well, for those with degenerative diseases other than orthopedic, be forewarned. There are scoundrels out there very willing to fleece you and take advantage of desperation. For those looking to address non-orthopedic degenerative conditions such as ALS, Autoimmune Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Multiple Sclerosis, etc., clinical trials are taking place at major medical centers. You may learn about the various trials at NIH.Gov. The FDA warned the non-compliant clinics that they have three years so cheaters will continue to cheat.
From the skeletomuscular and arthritic standpoint, there are clinical specialists available to address your arthritic and other orthopedic problems using FDA compliant Platelet and Bone Marrow derived options just as credentialed as all the other specialties in medicine and surgery. As an orthopedic surgeon, I for one have the scientific outcomes data to support my cellular orthopedic initiatives. To learn more about evidence based cellular orthopedics call 312 475 1893 to schedule a consultation.
Tags: arthritis, bone marrow, Clinical Trial. Mitchell B. Sheinkop, Interventional Orthopedics, Mesenchymal Stem Cell, regenerative medicine, stem cells
Nov 29, 2017
I am being forthright; based on my review of data, while 80% or more of my patients continue to enjoy
satisfactory outcomes at four years or more following a stem cell intervention, there are those whose
symptoms and functional limitations recur. Please be aware that when I undertake the care and
treatment of a patient with a symptomatic and function limiting joint, it is with the notion of
regeneration and long-term benefit. It doesn’t always happen; there are may possible explanations.
Most important though is the need to identify possible causes of potential failure at the beginning, and
that is why we have recommendations before and after a procedure as to how to manage alcohol, diet,
supplements and a rehabilitation protocol. We also review your past medical history to identify any
possible indication that your stem cells have been adversely affected by co-morbidity or prior
treatments.
Assume if you will that you adhered to the initial pre-and post-intervention protocol but now returned
to my office months or years later with recurring symptoms. First and foremost is an updated medical
history and physical examination. That is followed by repeat images including X-rays and an MRI.
Mechanical progression of joint injury may result from aggravation of the preexisting damage by
subsequent trauma. Then there is the reality of identifying new processes within or adjacent to the joint.
This morning, I returned the phone call of a southwest Wisconsin dairy farmer; not the same patient I
wrote about last week. He has been a patient for over four years with a full restoration of work related
activities and recreational pursuits following several regenerative interventional options. After three
hours of basketball, three weeks ago, his knee pain returned. I called him back while he was milking his
cows and it was the first time I have been “mooed” at over a cell phone. I requested that the patient
update his X-rays, MRIs and then allow me to reevaluate him. A repeat stem cell intervention with a
more advanced technology, a subchondroplasty in addition to the stem cell intervention of his joint?
The recommendations will be based on an updated evaluation. In my practice of cellular orthopedics, it
isn’t one and done. Additionally, some of the more advanced techniques are being covered in part by
health care insurance
If you want to learn more, call for an appointment (312)475 1893
You may access my web site at www.Ilcellulartherapy.com and watch my webinar
After I completed writing this Blog, I opened the Bone and Joint Newsletter.
Lead article: Study Suggests Knee Replacement Be Reserved for Those More Severely Affected by Osteoarthritis. A recent analysis found that the current practice of TKR as performed in the USA had minimal effects on quality of life and quality adjusted life years
Tags: arthritis, Benefits and Risk, bone marrow, Bone Marrow Concentrate, Clinical Studies, Clinical Trial. Mitchell B. Sheinkop, Concentrated Stem Cell Plasma, Growth Factors, Hip Replacement, Interventional Orthopedics, Knee Pain Relief, Mesenchymal Stem Cell, Orthopedics, Osteoarthritis, Pain Management, Platelet Rich Plasma, regenerative medicine, stem cell treatment
