An Overview on Orthopedic Stem Cell Therapy and the
Uses of Stem Cells
Millions of Americans, including patients living in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area, are affected by orthopedic injuries and degenerative conditions. Some of the most common injuries treated by Dr. Jervis Yau, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, include rotator cuff injuries, elbow epicondylitis, meniscus tears and proximal hamstring injuries. Dr. Yau offers patients the latest in orthopedic stem cell therapy if an orthopedic injury or condition occurs. He is also available to answer any questions or concerns a patient may have on the uses of stem cells in the medical field.
What is Orthopedic Stem Cell Therapy?
Autologous adult stem cells are found in a patient’s own body and have the potential to accelerate healing and promote tissue regeneration after an orthopedic injury. Adult stem cells utilized in orthopedic stem cell therapy are harvested from a patient’s body so the risk of infection and immune rejection is extremely low, making it a safe treatment option. Adult stem cell therapy is not considered a controversial treatment option, like the use of embryonic or fetal stem cells, since a patient’s own stem cells are harvested for the treatment.
How are Adult Stem Cells Harvested?
Dr. Yau begins orthopedic stem cell therapy by extracting a sample of bone marrow from the patient’s pelvis. The sample is then spun down in a centrifuge to separate the adult stem cells, platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. The healing cells are concentrated and injected directly into the patient’s damaged tissue in an attempt to facilitate healing and tissue regeneration.
What are the Most Common Uses of Stem Cells?
The uses of stem cells in orthopedic medicine continue to evolve each year. Dr. Yau offers orthopedic stem cell therapy as a safe and effective treatment option in patients affected by an orthopedic injury or degenerative condition.
The most common uses of stem cells include:
- Acute and chronic injuries found in the body’s muscles, ligaments and tendons
- Fractures
- Osteoarthritis
Is There an Age Limit on Orthopedic Stem Cell Therapy?
There is no age restriction for autologous stem cell therapy. However, it is theorized that with increasing age, patients may have less viability of their stem cells thus reducing its regenerative effects after injection. After the age of 65 years, patients may achieve better results using allograft (donor) tissues. Cryopreserved injectable can help patients of all ages, especially more mature aged adults, return to the activities they enjoy often without surgery.
For additional resources on orthopedic stem cell therapy, or for more information on the various uses of stem cells in orthopedic medicine, please contact Dr. Jervis Yau, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist serving the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California communities.
