In the field of orthopedics, there are a number of conditions that are notoriously difficult to treat. From muscle tears to injured tendons and ligaments, many issues can only be addressed effectively through the use of invasive procedures such as surgery. Complete functional recovery remains challenging, especially because these tissue groups have a very low capacity to regenerate, and thus, heal.
Orthopedic injuries can result from a broad range of factors. From sports to overuse and the simple process of aging, tissue can become compromised when stretched beyond its limits or otherwise aggravated. While some injuries may heal with rest, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, others persist indefinitely. Living with such an injury can cause immense pain, restrict mobility, and prevent an individual from performing their daily activities. Although surgical interventions and painkillers, either over-the-counter or prescription, are available, many patients seek a less-invasive yet still effective alternative without side effects.
In the case of conditions and injuries that leave a lasting impact and are difficult to heal, such as orthopedic injuries, regenerative medicine therapy is a commonly researched option. Regenerative therapies have the scientific ability to repair damaged cells and tissues by helping the body’s natural repair kit work more effectively and by regenerating new cells. Stem cells, specifically, have the unique ability of self-renewal, which enables them to become virtually any type of cell.
While the potential applications for regenerative medicine for musculoskeletal injury in the world of orthopedics are vast, here are some of the conditions for which it has demonstrated the most noteworthy results:
- Muscle recovery: It can be challenging to make a complete, functional recovery from a skeletal muscle injury, especially due to the fact that scar tissue formation may delay healing. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into muscle cells and control the immune system’s response, thereby aiding in accelerated muscle repair and healing.
- Meniscus: Despite its small size, the meniscus can create an immense amount of pain when injured or torn. Abrupt twisting movements can lead to both partial and complete tears, which are common in soccer players and other athletes who do a lot of running.
In the case of total tears, surgery is usually needed to remove the torn tissue, followed by a rehabilitation period. There is little to no potential for regeneration in most areas of the meniscus, but stem cells have been shown to promote healing when strategically placed into the cartilage.
- Tendon and ligaments: While tendons and ligaments may heal on their own, the tissue formed after an injury is typical of poorer quality than the original tissue. In some cases, grafts are used to facilitate functionality, but issues such as tissue rejection and risk of infection arise. Stem cells have been studied to repair areas such as the Achilles tendon, and have indicated the ability to regenerate tendon tissue.
- Intervertebral disc and spine: Degenerative disc disease and other spinal issues can cause persistent back pain. While there are many therapies available to address these problems, medical interventions for ongoing back pain commonly include surgical interventions, which are often invasive.
Stem cell injections have been used in a number of spinal applications. They are used to slow disc degeneration and form cartilage-like tissue to regenerate intervertebral discs. Stem cells can also be directed to become neurons and promote the regeneration of cells damaged by spinal cord injuries.
- Rotator cuff: More than 3 million cases of rotator cuff injuries are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The rotator cuff is the group of tissues that connects the muscle to the bone around the shoulder joint. It occurs frequently in people who perform repeated shoulder motions, including tennis players. While rest, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections may be used, surgery may be needed in cases of ongoing pain. Regenerative medicine is a potential option to help heal tears in the rotator cuff, thanks to their ability to achieve tissue regeneration.
For the conditions above and many others that are challenging to treat effectively, stem cell therapy is a worthwhile alternative to surgery to explore. It may also be beneficial for patients who have not responded to other therapies but are seeking relief from pain, improved mobility, and an overall improvement in the quality of life.
Regenerative Medicine is still considered an experimental procedure and not approved by the FDA. Patients must consider realistic expectations in their research and possible therapy options.
