Novi, Michigan – Orthopedic sports medicine physicians at The CORE Institute® are the first in the Michigan to offer treatment for osteoarthritis and certain orthopedic conditions with a device, called Lipogems®, that can be used as an alternative for in-office applications or as an adjunct to surgery. Lipogems is the only FDA-cleared method that gently micro-fragments the adipose tissue while preserving the cell and tissue micro-architecture.
“Adipose tissue, or fat, contains an ideal source of mesenchymal cells and has long been used for support of tissue repair and replacement,” said Dr. Jefferey Michaelson, Orthopedic Surgeon with The CORE Institute. “With its regenerative potential, the Lipogems device can help treat patients with painful joints – including the hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle – and certain orthopedic conditions, such as soft tissue defects. This novel technology allows us to remove, process, and re-insert the patient’s own fat to promote healing and reduce inflammation.”
In May, Dr. Jefferey Michaelson became the first doctor in Michigan to utilize the Lipogems device on three patients who were diagnosed with early onset of arthritis.
The Lipogems system is used to liposuction fat cells from the patient’s thigh or abdomen while the patient is sedated with local anesthetic. The device then rinses and cleans the inflammatory oils and blood from the patient’s harvested fat and keeps the natural and beneficial properties of the fat tissue. The mesenchymal cells are then injected to the injured site and tends to remain in the area where injected instead of being immediately reabsorbed by the body. This allows for the body to absorb and maximize the benefits of Lipogems where it was injected for an extended period of time. Following the injection, the cells promote healing and symptom reduction as early as three weeks after treatment. The entire procedure from harvesting to the injection is completed in less than one hour.
“More than 27 million people have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Patients present in our clinics everyday with joint pain and may not be ready for a joint replacement. Our goal is to provide them with the best treatment options,” said Dr. Sean Bak, Orthopedic Surgeon with The CORE Institute. “With Lipogems, we can help patients who may suffer from joint pain or injury that limits their ability to perform their daily activities. Our moto is “Keep Life in Motion” and with this new device and treatment option available, we can do just that for our patients.”
Lipogems may be beneficial to patients seeking alternatives to surgery, are not candidates for surgery, wish to use it in conjunction to surgery to promote healing, or are suffering from an ailment or injury. Lipogems treatment may be used when standard treatment options such as physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or steroid injections have not provided significant relief.