1.WHAT IS A STEM CELL?
Cells that can transform into all cells in the body, which are used in medicine for treatment purposes and are very necessary for the human body, and can constantly renew themselves with their unlimited proliferation properties, are called stem cells, meaning the source of all cells. Stem cells are defined by two characteristics. First, they are divisible and can produce new stem cells of the same type, that is, they can 'renew themselves'. Secondly, they can mature or 'differentiate' into specialized cells such as skin, muscle or blood that carry out a specific function. In a sense, they can function as spare parts storage in almost every tissue of the body. Stem cells are the most important source both for the creation of a living thing and for the survival of the body.
2.WHY ARE STEM CELLS IMPORTANT FOR OUR HEALTH?
When we are injured or sick, our cells are also injured or die. In these cases, stem cells become activated. Stem cells are responsible for repairing our damaged tissues and making new ones to replace other cells that routinely die. In this way, our stem cells keep us healthy and protect us from premature aging. Stem cells are like our own army of microscopic doctors.
3. WHAT IS STEM CELL THERAPY?
Stem cell therapy is a treatment method that uses stem cells to repair or renew the patient's damaged cells or tissues. Stem cells are usually transplanted directly into the damaged tissue or joint.
4. IN WHICH ORTHOPEDIC DISEASES CAN STEM CELL THERAPY BE APPLIED?
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Knee, hip , shoulder, hand and ankle joint calcifications
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Cartilage damage, which can occur in the joints for different reasons, causes arthrosis, which is defined as wear, pain and eventually calcification, especially in the knee and hip joints over time. Moreover, since cartilage is a very special structure, it cannot renew itself or heal itself when the cartilage cell dies. For this reason, it is necessary to stop this damage to the joints and prevent its progression.
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Joint cartilage injuries
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Stem cell therapy, early cartilage damage It is a method used to reduce the progression of cartilage damage in patients who have a painful joint but are too early for surgery or do not want to have surgery. In addition, stem cell treatment is also used in meniscus rupture, which prevents the joint faces from rubbing against each other in the knee joint and acts as a support.
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Hip, shoulder, knee, Avascular necrosis in the ankle
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Non-union fractures with bone loss
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Wound healing
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Muscle and tendon injuries
5. FROM WHAT TISSUE CAN STEM CELLS BE OBTAINED?
Although they can be obtained from many tissues of the body, the most common ones are; Cells obtained from fat tissue and bone marrow are used.
6.HOW ARE STEM CELLS OBTAINED?
Stem cells are obtained from fat tissue and bone marrow. The removal of cells is done under light sedation and local anesthesia so that the patient does not feel pain. Stem cells in the fat tissue taken from the pelvis or belly are subjected to filtering and separation under sterile conditions. After the stem cell preparation process, which takes approximately 20 - 30 minutes, the pure stem cells obtained are ready to be applied to the patient.
7.HOW IS THE STEM CELL APPLICATION PROCESS DONE?
Bone marrow or fat The stem cells prepared from the tissue are applied with an injection to the damaged area where cell recovery is expected. In case of cartilage injury in the knee or other joints, the stem cells are provided with a targeted effect through carriers (scaffold) so that they act only in the damaged area without spreading into the knee. Since stem cells are the person's own cells, the aim of the treatment is for the tissue to heal and renew itself.
8.HOW DOES STEM CELL TREATMENT EFFECT?
Stem cells; In addition to transforming into bone, muscle, cartilage, ligament and tendon cells, it is known that they also have an effect by secreting various growth factors and cytokines (BMP,TGF-β,VEGF). Thus, the processes of new vessel formation, repair, cell healing and proliferation in the damaged tissue are accelerated.
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