Stem Cell Therapy

What is Stem Cell? How is it obtained?

Stem cells are the main cells in our body that are found in adipose tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord and around blood vessels and have the ability to transform into other cells in case of damage and failure. There are many methods of obtaining these cells. Stem cells can be obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue and umbilical cord.

• BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) is a treatment method performed by concentrating stem cells and growth factors obtained from the patient’s own bone marrow and injecting them into the damaged area. This method is used in joint, cartilage and tendon repairs. BMAC accelerates tissue healing and offers long-term results. This treatment is generally preferred in osteoarthritis, tendinopathy and sports injuries and can be applied in a clinical setting as a non-surgical option. Although the number of stem cells obtained with this method is lower than adipose tissue-derived stem cells, the bone and cartilage transformation potential of these cells is higher.
• SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) is a method using stem cells and other regenerative cells obtained from the patient’s adipose tissue. SVF can be used in many areas such as joint pain, cartilage damage, soft tissue injuries and skin regeneration. SVF contains cells with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties and supports the repair of damaged tissues. This treatment is minimally invasive and promotes natural healing using the patient’s own cells. Approximately 200 cc of adipose tissue taken from the patient’s belly area is broken down in the laboratory environment and separated by special filtering processes. The prepared aspirate containing stem cells and many growth factors is injected into the damaged area of the patient and accelerates healing in these areas. With this method, more stem cells are obtained from the bone marrow.
• Allogeneic (Umbilical Cord Derived) Stem Cells: The umbilical cord, which provides nutrition between the baby and the mother in the womb, is a rich source of stem cells. Wharton gel, the jelly-like structure around the umbilical cord, contains a large number of stem cells. The stem cells around the umbilical cord obtained after birth are multiplied in the laboratory. With this method, millions of stem cells can be obtained and a more effective recovery can be achieved. 

In which areas is stem cell used in orthopaedics?

Stem cell application has been investigated as a potential method in many orthopaedic disorders in recent years. Many studies are being conducted on the mechanism of action of stem cells and their response to diseases. Here are some orthopaedic disorders in which stem cells are applied:

1. Joint Calcification (Osteoarthritis): Stem cell application can help to slow down tissue damage, reduce pain and relieve joint movements in degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
2. Tendon Injuries: In tendon injuries such as tendon tears or tendonitis, stem cell application helps to accelerate healing, increase collagen synthesis and help muscle fibres to heal properly.
3. Cartilage damage: Cartilage damage is a condition that occurs especially as a result of sports injuries and causes pain in the joint. Stem cell application can play a potential supportive role in the repair of cartilage damage, as well as increasing the chance of recovery after arthroscopic (closed) repair and reducing the risk of complications.
4. Ligament Injuries: For example, stem cell application in anterior cruciate ligament injuries can be used to support the natural healing process and accelerate healing after arthroscopic surgeries.
5. Bone Fractures and Nonunion: Stem cell therapy can be used to accelerate the union of bone fractures, especially in cases where bone healing is slower than normal after fracture. 
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Immunological Diseases: Stem cell therapy is being investigated in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases. It may be a potential option for reducing complaints related to disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

However, research on the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy is ongoing. As every patient and situation is different, it is important to consult a specialist to assess the suitability of stem cell therapy. Which type of stem cell is suitable for which patient depends on the type of the patient’s condition, the location of the damaged tissues, the patient’s age, previous surgeries and comorbidities. Therefore, the most appropriate stem cell method for the patient is determined by putting the patient at the centre of the treatment.