What is a stem cell: Stem cells are cells located around the vessels in our tissues. These cells have the ability to transform into necessary cells that participate in the healing process when there is tissue damage. Stem cells can turn into cells such as muscle, bone, cartilage and fat in our body. Thanks to this potential, stem cells appear as a treatment method that can be used to repair all kinds of tissue damage. However, the disadvantage of the method is that it is very new and its long-term results are not yet known. There are 2 types of stem cells. Although stem cells obtained from fetuses have high transformation potential, they have no practical use due to the difficulties and ethical issues in obtaining them.
How to obtain stem cells: stem cells are found in many tissues in our body. Studies have shown that they are most densely found in adipose tissue, called stromal tissue, in tissues around muscles and joints. In order for the stem cells obtained to be sufficient, they must be multiplied or concentrated. Since stem cell proliferation requires advanced technological laboratories, its practical use is limited. It is easier and more practical to obtain it by the centrifuge method. The method of obtaining stem cells that is widely used today is to concentrate the stem cells obtained from fat tissue by passing them through special filters. Simply put, a solution is injected into the abdominal fat tissue under local anesthesia, approximately 200-300 cc of fat tissue is removed, and a solution rich in approximately 5-6 cc of stem cells is obtained by filtering it. This solution is injected into the patient's area to be used in the same session. The process takes 20 minutes in total. It continues and can be performed under local anesthesia and light sedation. It is preferably better to perform it in an intervention room or operating room where the patient can be monitored after the procedure. There is no need to stay in the hospital and it is appropriate to rest for a few days after the procedure.
To whom stem cells are applied: Stem cells for cartilage renewal, especially in patients with cartilage damage in the knee, shoulder, ankle and hip joint. application can be made. Early stage cartilage damage in the joint to be applied and degenerative bone damage in the joint It is important that major changes have not started. The activities of stem cells do not decrease with age, so there is no age limit in stem cell application.
Who cannot receive stem cells: Obesity is the most important obstacle in stem cell application. The chance of success decreases in patients with a BMD (body mass index) of 35 and above. It is definitely not recommended to apply the method in patients with a BMD over 40. Patients with severe joint damage, whose only alternative is surgery, are not suitable for stem cell treatment. Stem cells are not an alternative treatment for patients who have developed calcification due to joint cartilage damage and need surgery. It is an option especially for patients who are too early for surgery and whose joint can be saved.
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