An emerging treatment option for shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) is stem cell therapy, which aims to reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and possibly even regenerate cartilage. Although the main cause of shoulder OA is the deterioration of the shoulder joint’s cartilage, stem cell therapy provides a regeneration strategy that traditional treatments do not.
An Overview of Stem Cell Treatment
Delivering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the injured joint is the main goal of stem cell therapy for shoulder OA. MSCs are renowned for:
- Anti-inflammatory qualities: lowering inflammation in the joints.
- Paracrine effects: The release of cytokines and growth factors that aid in tissue healing.
- Potential for chondrogenesis: The ability to differentiate into cartilage cells in order to repair damaged cartilage.
Different Kinds of Stem Cells Frequently Employed
- Donated umbilical cords are the non-invasive source of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs).
- Low immunogenicity, high proliferation.
- efficient in its regeneration and anti-inflammatory properties.
- MSCs Derived from Bone Marrow (BM-MSCs):
- Obtained through bone marrow aspiration.
- Stem cell-rich, but extracted using a more intrusive method.
- Fat tissue is the source of adipose-derived MSCs, or AD-MSCs.
- BM-MSC-like regenerative qualities, abundant, and simple to collect.
Procedure
- Evaluation: Initial consultation includes imaging (X-rays, MRI) to assess joint damage and determine eligibility.
- Stem Cell Sourcing:
- Autologous (from the patient) or allogeneic (from a donor) stem cells are prepared.
- Injection:
- Stem cells are injected directly into the shoulder joint under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy.
- Follow-Up Care:
- Post-injection physical therapy and monitoring for improvements in joint function.
Possible Advantages
- Pain Relief: By reducing inflammation, stem cells aid in the alleviation of joint pain.
- Increased Mobility: The shoulder joint’s range of motion and functionality are improved.
- Cartilage Repair: Has the potential to repair damaged cartilage and decrease the progression of osteoarthritis.
- Avoiding surgical operations such as shoulder replacements is considered minimally invasive.
Is It Right for You?
Stem cell therapy is often considered for:
- Moderate OA: Patients seeking alternatives to surgery.
- Younger patients: Those wanting to delay joint replacement.
- Failed Conventional Treatments: When pain persists despite physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or NSAIDs.
Current Evidence
Several studies have shown:
- Significant reductions in pain and stiffness scores post-treatment.
- Evidence of cartilage repair through MRI in some patients.
- A low risk of adverse effects, especially with allogeneic MSCs.
For shoulder osteoarthritis (OA), stem cell therapy is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure intended to ease discomfort, lower inflammation, and encourage cartilage growth. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord tissue are frequently used in it. Under imaging guidance, these cells are injected directly into the injured joint, taking advantage of their regenerative and anti-inflammatory qualities. Patients with moderate OA or those looking for alternatives to surgery may find the therapy to be a promising treatment because it is especially helpful in lowering pain, increasing mobility, and possibly rebuilding damaged cartilage. Although outcomes can differ based on personal circumstances, stem cell therapy provides a novel way to treat OA, but there are still issues with its high cost and scant long-term data.