StemCell Therapy UNDERSTANDING
BY JOHN P. BATSON, MD, FASCM
Stem cells exist in an undifferentiated state in our bodies. They are capable of dividing and renewing themselves over a long period of time. Also, in adults, stem cells can become other cells to aid in tissue healing, repair and regeneration. If you think about a cut in the skin, stem cells are largely responsible for the healing process for that tissue. They are signaled to become the cells needed at the site of damaged tissue. In addition, when we are growing, stem cells become specific cell types that are needed for growth during those years.
STEM CELL THERAPY
The ability of stem cells to differentiate into other tissue has scientist and physicians excited about their potential to help with certain diseases. With arthritis in particular, damaged cartilage and bone in a joint causes pain and dysfunction. It is our hope that stem cells can be injected into joints with arthritis and help with this
pain and dysfunction, ideally helping to heal some of the damaged tissue. For this process, we take stem cells from your own fat and/or bone marrow and then inject the stem cells in the joint of concern. This process is performed in the office and takes about an hour from start to finish. Thus far, stem cell therapy is most commonly used for knee, hip and shoulder arthritis.