Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear disease of articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. It arises as a result of inability of cartilage to keep up with excessive breakdown.

The initial step that occurs in the process of OA is an injury to the cartilage matrix. This causes loss of cartilage resiliency. In addition, proteins that promote inflammation (called inflammatory cytokines) are produced by the synovium (joint lining.) These cytokines activate destructive enzymes, called proteases. The proteases degrade the cartilage and cause the chondrocytes to malfunction.

So far, the treatment of osteoarthritis has been symptomatic. Various medicines, called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), exercises, physical therapy, and injections are used to provide palliative relief. Ultimately, patients will need to have knee replacement surgery.

More recently, the use of autologous, mesenchymal stem cells has been shown in animal models to have promise in reducing symptoms and restoring cartilage.

Anecdotal reports have demonstrated a similar response in humans.

Because of the surge of interest in this area of what is called, “regenerative medicine”, various “stem cell centers” have sprung up. They all offer to treat osteoarthritis. And some centers have claimed to offer stem cells for treating a multiplicity of diseases. A few of these places have been shown to be operated by criminals and scam artists.

There is much variability in the technique of using autologous stem cells to treat osteoarthritis. Each place has their own version of the procedure.

Using mesenchymal stem cells properly is more than just taking a person’s stem cells and injecting them into the area of disease.

Stem cells need to be properly isolated and concentrated from both bone marrow as well as fat. Collection and administration of growth factors from peripheral blood also needs to be done.

Since stem cells are attracted to areas of injury, injury needs to be induced at the proper site for treatment. Ultrasound guidance and arthroscopy both need to be used in order to achieve optimal localization and preparation of this site.

That means the entire procedure has to be done in an operating room with strict adherence to sterile technique. This is an invasive procedure.

While making it pain free is not an option, pain can be minimized. Performing a procedure like this requires knowledge of the anesthetic blocks needed to minimize discomfort.

Further, the appropriate tools for the procedure need to be used.

Standardization using standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists should be used in order to minimize risk.

Those places that tout a low charge for the procedure are obviously not doing all of the above. And results are highly dependent on how the procedure is conducted, as well as who is doing the procedure.

What a patient is paying for is peace of mind, knowing that experience, safeguards, and the best techniques are being employed. There are stem cell procedures and then there are STEM CELL PROCEDURES.

That is why Don Margolis of the Repair Stem Cell Institute endorses us so highly.

Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a board-certified rheumatologist and nationally known arthritis authority and expert. For more info: Arthritis Treatment and Arthritis Treatment Center

Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a board-certified rheumatologist and nationally known arthritis authority and expert. For more info: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html Arthritis Treatment and Arthritis Treatment Center

Author Bio: Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a board-certified rheumatologist and nationally known arthritis authority and expert. For more info: Arthritis Treatment and Arthritis Treatment Center

Category: Advice
Keywords: osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis treatment, arthritis treatment, cartilage, stem cells,cost