What are stem cells?
The presence of stem cells is key in stimulating the body's natural repair system by inducing the proliferation of cells. Research that examines the biological mechanisms of cellular health and tissue regeneration is extensive, particularly the role of platelets, stem cells and natural growth factors in the blood and bone marrow. Stem cells are present in all of us, acting as a repair system for the body. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have two primary functions: differentiation into functional cells such as cartilage and coordination of the healing process.
How does Stem Cell Therapy work?
Stem cell therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to help the body repair damaged cells. With increased age or chronic injury, often the optimal amount of stem cells is not available. Injury, arthritis and poor cellular health disrupt the availability of stem cells needed for tissue repair resulting in the body's inability to keep pace with healing requirements. When this demand outpaces the supply, the body needs a little help. The potential to treat conditions, such as osteoarthritis, provides patients with alternatives to invasive surgery. Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy has been shown to improve joint function and reduce pain and inflammation
Bone marrow derived stem cells
Nutrient rich cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, in adult bone marrow are extracted from the back of the patient's pelvis or hip bone using a special needle developed for bone marrow extraction. FDA-approved devices concentrate the bone marrow into what is called “Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate” (BMAC). This aspirate is then injected through ultrasound guidance directly damaged tissue.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to differentiate into the type of cell in their surrounding environment to replace damaged ones. They also coordinate healing through a process called "signaling." Cell signaling is the body's way of communicating in real time to coordinate our innate repair system. Through this system of cellular communication, MSCs regulate the immune system and healing response by attracting cells to areas where they are most needed. Recently, scientists have estimated that 80% of the therapeutic effect of MSCs is attributed to their release of proteins that signal cells to migrate to site of injury to help with cellular repair.
Read more about how this works.
Regenexx is a world-wide network of select, highly skilled physicians who are specially trained in interventional procedures for orthopedic conditions. Regenexx provides the world's most advanced, research-driven, regenerative orthopedic procedures in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Specializing in advanced non-surgical procedures for joint Injuries, osteoarthritis, and other orthopedic conditions, Dr. Minotti brings these procedures to you!
Leader in orthobiologic treatment for musculoskeletal conditions
Dr. Minotti began performing Orthobiologic Therapy in 2007 and has treated hundreds of patients with amazing success. 86% of his patients have found significant relief from pain and restoration of musculoskeletal function.
Dr. Minotti is specialty trained in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. He combines his intensive training in the musculoskeletal system with advanced training in Regenerative Medicine, specifically as applied to orthopedic conditions. He conferences regularly with the world’s leading physicians to provide his patients with the most effective treatments that science has to offer.
Founder of North Texas Musculoskeletal Medicine in Southlake TX, Dr. Minotti believes that orthobiologic procedures, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy, are a new frontier in medicine, offering treatments that effectively bridge the gap between medications that mask pain and invasive surgery. He has helped thousands of patients find freedom from pain to restore their quality of life. Dr. Minotti is honored to be recognized by his peers with the Top Docs award. He also serves as an adjunct professor at University of North Texas Health Science Center.
Procedure Snapshot
First, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area of extraction. The bone marrow is extracted from the back of the patient's pelvis or hip bone using a special needle developed for bone marrow extraction. The collected marrow is filtered and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and stem cells to produce the bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).
The cells are not altered with additives or manipulated. The BMAC is then injected back into the patient's site of injury guided by ultrasound where it can begin its accelerated regenerative healing. This same-day treatment takes about 1-2 hours. Typically, 1 treatment, often with platelet-rich plasma given at follow-up, is sufficient.
If you have an injury, or if you have tendons or ligaments that have become inflamed, stem cell therapy may help. It uses your body's own stem cells to help heal damage. It may help you avoid surgery.
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We can help!
To learn more about what we can do to help with your condition, call our office at 817-416-0970. We will thoroughly diagnose your condition and present you with treatment options. From there we will guide you along your road to recovery.