A common shoulder injury that affects one or more of the four rotator cuff tendons, rotator cuff tears can result in severe discomfort, decreased range of motion, and functional impairment. In such situations, UC-MSCs have shown promise as a treatment to promote tissue regeneration and speed up healing.
Action Mechanism
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: By regulating inflammation, UC-MSCs lessen shoulder joint pain and oedema.
- Tissue Regeneration: By differentiating into tendon-like cells, these stem cells aid in the restoration of injured rotator cuff tissue.
- Paracrine Signalling: They release bioactive substances that promote angiogenesis and tissue healing, including cytokines and growth factors.
- Reduction of Scar Tissue: UC-MSCs encourage systematic tissue repair, which may lessen the development of scar tissue and enhance functional results.
Therapeutic Procedure
- Pre-treatment Assessment:
- Physical examination and imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to assess the severity of the rotator cuff tear.
- Patient-specific factors, such as age, activity level, and overall health, are evaluated.
- Stem Cell Preparation:
- UC-MSCs are isolated, expanded, and cryopreserved in accordance with regulatory standards.
- Stem Cell are suspended in a sterile carrier solution (e.g., saline or platelet-rich plasma).
- Injection Procedure:
- UC-MSCs are injected directly into the injured rotator cuff tendon or joint space under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
- Typical dosage: 10–50 million cells in a 1–5 mL volume, depending on the severity of the tear.
- Post-treatment Care:
- Rehabilitation with physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
- Follow-up imaging to monitor healing progress.
Anticipated Advantages
- Pain Reduction: Within weeks, there is a noticeable decrease in inflammation.
- Enhanced Healing: By hastening tendon regeneration and repair, UC-MSCs may enhance structural integrity.
- Better Function: Strength and range of motion in the shoulders have returned.
- Decreased Surgery Requirement: Stem cell therapy has the potential to postpone or even completely remove the requirement for surgery in cases of partial tears.
Clinical Evidence Research on stem cell treatment for rotator cuff tears has revealed encouraging outcomes:
- Pain Reduction: Within three to six months, patients report lower pain scores (as determined by the VAS).
- Functional Improvement: Follow-ups showed improved shoulder strength and mobility.
- Tissue Healing: After therapy, MRI shows better tendon structure.
The dosage of injection
The degree of the damage, the patient’s general health, and the clinic’s procedures can all affect the dose for stem cell therapy employing umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) for ailments including rotator cuff injuries. The following are some broad rules:
Typical Dosage Range
- Cell Count:
- Mild to Moderate Tears: 10–20 million UC-MSCs per injection.
- Severe Tears: 30–50 million UC-MSCs per injection.
- Volume:
- Typically administered in 1–5 mL of sterile carrier solution (e.g., saline, platelet-rich plasma).
Frequency of Injections
- Single Injection Protocol: Commonly used, especially for mild tears.
- Multiple Injection Protocols:
- Up to 3 injections spaced 1–4 weeks apart may be recommended for severe cases.
Side Effects and Safety
- Because of their minimal immunogenicity, UC-MSCs are safe to employ allogeneically.
- Localised swelling, pain, or mild discomfort after injection are considered minimal adverse effects.
In conclusion
For rotator cuff tears, UC-MSCs provide a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive alternative, especially for patients who wish to postpone or avoid surgery. To find out if this therapy is appropriate for your problem, speak with an orthopaedic specialist.