Orthobiologic Cell Therapy
As an alternative to surgery, patients can now benefit from injections – of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow, or adipose (fat) cells – to treat chronic orthopedic conditions and soft tissue defects. These treatments can reduce pain and provide long-lasting relief from chronic soft tissue pain, early arthritis, and cartilage damage in the joint.
These cells offer your body a natural repair mechanism for common wear and tear of the joints, such as arthritis, or an injury. The body stores healing cells in our bone marrow, fat, and organs, and calls them into action when needed. When we sustain an injury, the injured area releases chemicals which sends signals to these cells to start the repair process. This is how we heal.
As we age, our body suffers from wear and tear from previous injuries, exercising, playing sports, or arthritis. We produce less of our repair cells (mesenchymal cells) as we get older, so it takes longer to recover. This is especially true of areas with restricted blood flow – such as joints.
Where are these cells found in the body?
These cells can be found in just about any area of our body. However, they are most abundant in our bone marrow and fat tissue. These cells “storage areas” provide a ready source that can be harvested in a simple and safe fashion.
How are orthopedic conditions treated with orthobiologic cells?
There are a variety of orthopedic conditions and diseases that can be treated with cell therapy. Orthopedic conditions that have been treated and studied using biologic cells include acute and chronic injuries of muscle, tendon, ligaments, bone, and cartilage. Some specific conditions that can be treated with cell therapy include:
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis/degenerative arthritis of joints, especially the hip and knee
- Tendon injuries, including partial tears of the rotator cuff of the shoulder
- Back pain related to degenerative disc and facet joint
What type of orthobiologic cells are used at The CORE Institute?
The CORE Institute physicians offer new treatment options utilizing platelet rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow, or adipose (fat) cells to successfully treat patients with painful joints including the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, and certain orthopedic conditions, such as soft tissue defects.
Ask your physician if you are a candidate for orthobiologic cell therapy treatment options.