Stem Cell Treatment for Joint Conditions

The Stem Cell Therapy Insitute offers Stem Cell Therapy for various joint conditions including osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cartilage and tendons can also be repaired and regenerated. Treatment utilizes adipose-derived stem cells that are harvested from the patient's own body.


Cartilage Repair with Stem Cell Therapy

Cartilage is the flexible connective tissue found in areas like the joints between bones, the nose, the ear, the rib cage, the knee, the elbow, the ankle, the intervertebral discs and the bronchial tubes. It is softer and less rigid than bone but stiffer and more inflexible than muscle.

Cartilage and its functions can become damaged. This can be caused by various things such as a bad fall, a traumatic sports accident, previous knee injuries or general wear and tear that worsens over time. Long term immobilization can result in cartilage damage as well.

Articular cartilage damage of the knee can be present on its own but it is usually found alongside ligament injuries. Those who have had previous surgeries have an increased risk of cartilage damage because the mechanics of the joint may have changed.

Once cartilage has been damaged it usually does not regenerate by itself. This information was first recorded by William Hunter in 1743.


Tendon Regeneration and Repair with Stem Cell Therapy

Tendons, or sinews as they are sometimes called, are made up of a strong band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones. They are able to tolerate considerable tension and are made of collagen. Tendons work with muscles and provide a crucial element of the musculoskeletal system.

When a tendon becomes damaged it cannot completely restore its biomechanical and biological properties. Recent regenerative medicine and tissue engineering has facilitated adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) to differentiate into tendon cell lineages and tissues.


Osteoarthritis Treatment with Stem Cell Therapy

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder and is caused by the wear and tear of a joint. In a healthy joint cartilage cushions your bones so they can glide over each other. When this cartilage, a firm rubbery structure, breaks down the bones rub against one another. This causes swelling, stiffness and pain. Extra bone and bony spurs can develop around the joint as the muscles and ligaments surrounding it grow weaker and stiffer.

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is often related to aging, although sometimes the cause is not known. Before the age of 55 it occurs equally in women and men. After that age it is more common in women. By the age of 70 the majority of people will have at least minor Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis frequently runs in families. Other risk factors include being overweight, long-term joint activity in sports, or fractures. Some medical conditions can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

These include hemophilia, gout, pseudogout, avascular necrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis symptoms commonly present themselves as stiffness and pain in the joints. Weight bearing activities such as exercise can worsen the pain. Over time joints become more difficult to move, especially in the morning. People with osteoarthritis may experience a crackling, rubbing or grating sound when they move their joint. Some people do not display any symptoms even though their x-rays show the characteristics of osteoarthritis.


Degenerative Joint Disease Treatment with Stem Cell Therapy

Degenerative joint disease is a common joint disorder that is caused by wear and tear. In a healthy joint the cushiony cartilage protects your bones as they glide over one another. When this cartilage, a strong rubbery tissue, wears down the bones rub against each another. This causes swelling, pain and stiffness. Bony spurs and extra bone develop around the joint and the muscles and ligaments surrounding it become weaker and stiffer.

Degenerative joint disease is often related to aging although sometimes the cause remains unknown. Before the age of 55 it appears equally in women and men. After 55 it is more common in women. By the age of 70 most people will have at least minor degenerative joint disease.

Degenerative joint disease frequently runs in families. Other risk factors include fractures, being overweight and long-term joint activity in sports and at work. Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of degenerative joint disease. These include avascular necrosis, hemophilia, gout, pseudogout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Degenerative joint disease symptoms usually present themselves as stiffness and pain in the joints. Weight bearing and exercise can worsen the pain. Over time joints may become difficult to move, especially in the morning. People with degenerative joint disease may experience a rubbing, crackling or grating sound when they move their joint. Some people have no symptoms even though their x-rays show the characteristics of degenerative joint disease