Stem Cell Treatment For Osteoarthritis
Adult stem cell therapy is a relatively new form of regenerative medicine that is being researched and tested by doctors worldwide. These cells can self-renew and go through numerous cell division cycles. They are undifferentiated, meaning they can grow into any type of tissue, including the body’s own tissue. In a recent study, a doctor performed the first-ever adult stem cell transplant in a human being. It was a successful treatment that improved the patient’s quality of life, and the results were dramatic.
The process itself is simple and usually takes less than an hour. It uses a specially designed x-ray to guide the injection. The patient is usually given a week of rest following the procedure. In most cases, it is safe to return to work immediately afterward. Patients should refrain from taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as these medications can slow down the healing process. While this treatment is a promising option for people suffering from osteoarthritis, it should only be used for those who have undergone several procedures to improve their condition.
Because it is less invasive than surgery, it is an excellent alternative for patients who are concerned about pain and time. The procedure lasts less than an hour, while surgery can take hours. Before the injection, the patient is given a local anesthetic so that the procedure will be painless. The anesthetic does not work right away, and this adds time to the process. The injected stem cells may take up to a year to fully mature, so it is important that patients take the right kind of anti-inflammatory medication to minimize the risk of discomfort.
The stem cell treatment process is less costly than surgery and can be done the same day. While chemo and radiation treatments are still very effective, the process can take weeks, even months. After the procedure, patients should rest for two weeks, but they should take anti-inflammatory medication and avoid smoking and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Aside from the cost of the treatment, stem cell treatments are also a better choice for those with other health conditions.
The procedure is easy to administer. The stem cells are harvested from bone marrow or fat tissue. A physician will insert a needle into the hip region. The sample will be sent to a laboratory. It will be spun for 10 to 15 minutes in a machine to separate the stem cells. The lab will then prepare the stem cells in a centrifuge and purify them. This concentrate is then injected into the patient’s body.
Depending on the severity of the injury, stem cell treatment can be an effective option for many types of medical conditions. In general, this treatment is safe and effective. Although the procedure takes about an hour, it does not require any surgery or recovery. The injection can be done the same day as the initial procedure. After the procedure, patients should rest for about two weeks. They should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid drugs for at least a few days.