Stem cell therapy

Stem cells can differentiate into other human cells. The main mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue is directing tissue-repair processes. Stem cells introduced into a joint release microparticles which, through growth factors, cytokines, RNA and DNA, direct tissue repair.

• osteoarthritis
• post-traumatic cartilage damage
• as an adjunct in surgical treatment of meniscal injuries of the knee
• impaired bone union – pseudoarthrosis
• bone necrosis
• hard-to-heal wounds

We obtain mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue by taking a small amount of subcutaneous fat from the abdomen. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia with so-called light sedation (the patient sleeps during the procedure). A small amount of fat is collected through an approximately 7 mm abdominal incision using a special cannula. A separator resembling dialysis membranes then separates the stem cells. The prepared cell suspension is injected into the joint.

Bone-marrow stem cells are used as part of comprehensive surgical treatment, for example during knee arthroscopy. During surgery, they are collected from the operated area and then used to support repair processes in the joint, for example after meniscal repair or cartilage-repair techniques.

After adipose-tissue stem-cell therapy, the patient goes home after a few hours. Depending on the orthopaedic indication, care may differ slightly. Usually it involves walking with elbow crutches for several days and avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for seven days. A plaster dressing remains over the abdominal harvest site for seven days to prevent haematomas.

When bone-marrow stem cells are used during arthroscopy, no special postoperative measures are required. Care depends on the procedure performed.

All patients with broadly understood healing problems, or patients wishing to accelerate healing.

• past or active cancer
• autoimmune disease