For centuries, scientists have known that some animals can regenerate lost body parts, and humans, like starfish or some reptiles, have the ability to regenerate tissue. Although it cannot create a new one to replace a broken finger, our body constantly renews our skin and blood.
In scientific studies conducted in the 1950s, studies were first carried out on this cell-producing and renewing system in our body and bone marrow transplantation was developed. In 1988, embryonic stem cells could be kept alive in the laboratory for the first time. Subsequently, studies have focused on repair treatment with our own cells instead of surgically placing artificial tissues in the damaged organs of our body. Various treatment methods have been developed since stem cells, which have the ability to produce new cells in our body, were detected. Stem cells show promise in many serious conditions, from cancer to diabetes, from cardiovascular diseases to brain-nerve diseases, and finally to bone, muscle and joint diseases.
What is a stem cell?
It can be said that stem cells are the source of all cells in our body. These are the main cells that make up all the tissues and organs in our body. These cells, which have not yet differentiated, have two very important features.
1- Unlimited division and self-renewal
2- The ability to transform into different organs and tissues
It is hidden in many tissues in our body. The tissue richest in stem cells is the bone marrow. Today's technological developments enable these cells to be obtained in large quantities and to be transformed into cells that have the characteristics of the tissue in the region where they are placed in the body. In the appropriate environment, stem cells can turn into any other cell; such as heart, lung, nerve, kidney, bone or cartilage cell. Studies on all tissues continue intensively. Treatments of some tissues, such as nerve cells, are still in the experimental stage. However, stem cell applications are accepted as a treatment method by the medical community for bone, cartilage, skin and corneal diseases.
Joint calcification
People over the age of 50 Joint calcification (osteoarthritis = OA) may develop. OA often affects weight-bearing areas: neck, waist, hip, knee, foot and thumb root joints. OA occurs with the loss of smooth-surfaced cartilage tissue at the ends of the bones that form the joint. The cartilage structure deteriorates, becomes weak and thinner. Along with this, bony protrusions called osteophytes form and deformity begins in the joint. Over time, along with pain, limitation of joint movements and functional difficulties in daily life (not being able to run, walk, etc.) develop. In the final stage, total joint replacement surgery is required.
Stem cell treatment for joint calcification
In OA, cell destruction in the cartilage increases and the chondrocytes that produce cartilage cells are insufficient. In this case, the opportunity for treatment with stem cells that can transform into chondrocytes that can produce cartilage again has emerged. It has been determined that after injection of fresh stem cells obtained from bone marrow into the joint in adults, they turn into cartilage-producing chondrocytes. Since cartilage tissue does not contain nerves and vessels, it is sufficient for the stem cells to transform into a single type of cell. Clinical studies show that stem cells repair and thicken thinned and weakened cartilage in patients with OA. Thus, the joint becomes rejuvenated and the person becomes able to continue daily life activities without the need for surgery. With the development of stem cell therapy, it can be predicted that there will be no need for joint replacement surgeries soon.
How are stem cells obtained from bone marrow and applied?
A short, simple procedure performed by a specialist in a sterile operating room environment. Bone marrow is removed through a surgical procedure. After local anesthesia performed on the upper back of the person's pelvis, 50-60cc of bone marrow tissue rich in stem cells is aspirated from the bone marrow with a special needle. Since it is performed with local anesthesia, the person does not feel serious pain during the procedure. They are centrifuged with a special technique in order to intensively separate the stem cells in the resulting bone marrow. The part of the bone marrow obtained after centrifugation, containing dense fresh stem cells, is applied to the patient freshly, without waiting. Fresh stem cells in joint calcification doctor's side It is given by injection into the person's joint. In addition, platelet-rich plasma obtained from the person's own blood can also be administered into the joint to accelerate the cartilage cell production of stem cells. After the injection, the person returns to his daily life, but partial rest for 1 week is recommended. During this period, the treated joint should not be overused and should be protected. Depending on the situation, his doctor may recommend using crutches or orthoses. Increased joint pain and swelling may occur after injection. In this case, painkillers other than simple analgesics (paracetamol) should not be used and ice should not be applied.
In which cases can it be applied?
In joint calcification (knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, hand)
Also
Non-union fractures
Avascular necrosis (hip, shoulder, knee, ankle)
Meniscus and labrum tears
Muscle-tendon tears
To whom it is not applied ?
Obesity (in those with a body mass index over 30)
Those with advanced calcification and completely depleted cartilage tissue in the joint
Those using immunosuppressive drugs
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