The unique cells found in the body called stem cells has the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cell types, such as cartilage, muscle, and bone in knee. They can also promote healing through the release of growth factors that promote tissue repair.
Taking stem cells from the patient’s body usually from bone marrow or adipose tissue and injecting them into the afflicted knee joint is the procedure known as stem cell treatment for knees. Because these stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a range of cell types, including cartilage cells, they can aid in the regeneration and repair of damaged tissue.
Harvesting procedure for stem cells used in knee therapy:
- Usually, a minimally invasive process is utilised to extract stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue.
- Handling the cells injected to knee : The collected stem cells are concentrated using a centrifuge or other methods.
- Injection: The concentrated stem cells are injected directly into the knee joint, often using imaging techniques such as ultrasonography to ensure accurate placement.
Potential Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain Reduction:
Following stem cell therapy, patients with osteoarthritis or knee pain and other joint issues have reported decreased pain.
- Increased Mobility: Patients often report more mobility and joint function after therapy.
- Natural Healing: Because the therapy uses the patient’s own cells, it encourages the injured tissue to mend and regenerate naturally.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is less invasive and necessitates a shorter recovery period than surgery.
Mechanism of Action:
Following injection, stem cells have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes, or cartilage cells, which will help to heal the damaged cartilage in the knee. Impacts on anti-inflammatory and healing: Growth factors and bioactive substances secreted by stem cells promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune system all of which have the potential to reduce pain and improve joint function. Stimulation of Native Cells: Stem cells may also stimulate the native cells in the knee joint to aid in the more effective restoration of the damaged tissue.
Healing and Outcomes
Recovery Time for stem cell therapy for knees: Compared to traditional knee surgery, stem cell therapy usually has a shorter recovery period because it is a minimally intrusive procedure. Although there may be some minor discomfort at the injection site, patients may usually resume their regular activities quite quickly.
Efficacy: Within a few months of starting treatment, many patients report less pain and more mobility. However, the degree of the knee ailment, the patient’s age, and general health can all affect how effective the treatment is.
Risks and factors to consider
Risks: The surgery is generally considered safe, with a low chance of complications. However, dangers include infection, pain at the injection site, and the likelihood that the medication will not perform as expected.
Considerations: Not all patients are good candidates for stem cell treatment. To ascertain whether this treatment is suitable for your knee , it is imperative that you undergo a comprehensive assessment from a medical practitioner.
Stem cell therapy research is ongoing to improve its efficacy and safety for knees. Advances in the sector may result in more standardised treatments and wider applications.
Regenerative Medicine: As stem cell therapy progresses, it might become a more popular and dependable treatment option for a range of knee ailments, possibly lessening the need for more invasive operations like knee replacement surgery.
Utilising the body’s inherent healing abilities, stem cell therapy for knees is a viable option to conventional therapies for degenerative diseases and injuries of the knee joint.