For many orthopedic injuries and conditions, my staff and I utilize an alternative in-office treatment known as Platelet Regeneration Therapy using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.
A recent study determined that fat obtained from liposuction produced potent stem cells. These are autologous stem cells and have nothing to do with embryos or embryonic research. Stem cells are defined as cells with the unique capacity to self replicate throughout our lives and to change into cells of various types. This new method is much more efficient than a previous practice that used skin cells.
Currently, we are one of only several orthopaedic practices in the United States who are performing in-office mini liposuction – usually in the abdomen – to extract stem cells from fat. This “fat graft” is an excellent source of stem cells. We combine these stem cells with the platelets to create the PRP injection.
The growth factors from the platelets and the stem cells function to repair damaged tissue and they both participate in the repair process. It takes approximately six weeks for significant repair to occur where the pain is diminished and stress activity can be resumed at the previous desired level, but it really takes two to three months for complete recovery to occur.
Do you have any questions or an experience to share about “fat graft?” If so, please leave me a comment below
No comments:
Post a Comment