Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan Karaca from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital, explained ‘Stem Cell Therapy in Orthopedics’.
What is stem cell therapy?
“Stem cells are special cells in our body that have the ability to transform into various cell types. These cells have the potential to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. In the field of orthopedics, stem cells are used especially in the treatment of joint and cartilage damage. Stem cells can be obtained from the patient’s own bone marrow or adipose tissue and injected into the damaged area to start the repair process.”
How are stem cells obtained?
“The basis of stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells obtained from the patient’s own body. Stem cells can be harvested from bone marrow or adipose tissue (especially belly fat). Both methods have their own procedures and advantages.”
- Stem Cell Collection from Bone Marrow
-Preparation: Local anesthesia is administered to the patient prior to the procedure, thus preventing pain during the procedure.
-Procedure: Stem cells are usually collected from the pelvic bone (hip bone). Using a sterile needle, the surgeon accesses the bone marrow and takes fluid samples. This procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes.
-Collection: The bone marrow fluid is processed in the laboratory and the stem cells are separated.
-Recovery: Patients usually need a short rest period after the procedure and can return to their normal activities within a few days.
- Stem Cell Harvesting from Belly Fat
-Preparation Stem cell harvesting from belly fat is performed under local anesthesia.
-Liposuction: In a procedure called liposuction, fat tissue is removed from the patient’s abdomen (usually the navel area). In this procedure, a thin cannula is used to pull the fat tissue. The duration of the procedure usually does not exceed 1 hour.
-Processing: The fat tissue is centrifuged in a laboratory environment and the stem cells are separated.
-Recovery: The recovery process after liposuction is usually fast and patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.
Which method is more suitable?
“Each method of collecting stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical fat is chosen based on the patient’s general health and the type of condition to be treated. While bone marrow contains a high percentage of stem cells, belly fat also contains a significant amount of stem cells and collection can be less invasive. Your specialist doctor will create your treatment plan by determining the most appropriate method for you.”
What are ‘Orthobiologic Applications’?
“Orthobiologic applications are treatment methods that promote tissue healing using biological materials. These include methods such as stem cell therapy, PRP (platelet rich plasma) and growth factors. These biological agents are used to accelerate the body’s natural healing process and are usually administered through minimally invasive procedures.”
What are the advantages of stem cell therapy?
-Natural and Safe: Stem cell therapy carries no risk of allergy or rejection due to the use of the patient’s own cells.
-Fast Recovery: It offers a faster healing process compared to traditional surgical interventions.
-Non-Surgical Solution: Being a non-surgical method allows patients to return to their daily lives quickly.
-Pain Reduction: It can help reduce pain and inflammation.
In which cases is it used?
Stem cell therapy and orthobiologic applications can be used in the treatment of various orthopedic conditions. These include:
-Osteoarthritis (arthritis)
-Meniscus tears
-Cartilage damage
-Tendon and ligament injuries
-Bone necrosis (death of bone tissue)
What are the recommendations for patients?
“It is important to determine whether stem cell therapy and orthobiologic applications are suitable for each patient. Therefore, patients considering these treatment methods should first consult an orthopedic specialist. Specialized doctors will evaluate the patient’s medical history and create the most appropriate treatment plan.”
What is the treatment and application process?
“The collected stem cells are injected into the damaged area through a special procedure. This is usually performed using imaging techniques such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure that the stem cells are placed in the right area. Stem cells repair damaged tissues over time, speeding up the healing process.”
Advanced technology treatments improve quality of life
“Stem cell therapy and orthobiological applications offer revolutionary innovations in the field of orthopedics. These methods, which support the natural healing process of patients, are among the treatment options of the future. These cutting-edge treatments can improve the quality of life of patients and help them lead a healthier and more active life.
Don’t forget to contact your specialist doctor to follow these exciting developments in the field of orthopedics and to be informed about your own health status.”
