Dr. David Hogarty offers several types of regenerate of medicine treatments. These include platelet rich plasma (PRP), adipose derived stem cells (ASCs), and bone marrow derived stem cells (BMA). All of these treatments tap into the inherent healing power of the body to heal damaged tissue in various locations. Conditions commonly treated include the following: Knee and hip osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendon disease, tennis elbow, hip bursitis, and plantar fasciitis. More details about each of these treatments can be found below.
PRP Treatment
PRP has been in use to treat various medical conditions for at least 30 years. For approximately the last 15 years PRP is injected into various joints and tendons to treat orthopedic conditions. PRP contains platelets, which her special which circular circulate in our blood. When the patient undergoes a PRP treatment, a blood sample was obtained and process in the laboratory so that plasma with a high concentration of platelets is obtained.
Then this PRP is injected into place for patient has disease such as osteoarthritis of the knee. When inside the knee, the platelets release growth factors which recruit special types of cells including mesenchymal cells (MCs). These MCs have the ability to change into different types of cells to repair damaged tissue such as damaged cartilage within the knee of a patient with osteoarthritis. Over the next 6-12 weeks a healing process occurs which significantly decreases pain and improves function. These beneficial effects are long-lasting and can’t provide up to 6-12 months of relief.
Adipose Stem Cells
Adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) are contained within normal fat tissue inn our body. In the case of injury to the skin for example, they are involved in healing that damage. However we can also harvest adipose and inject this tissue into another site such as a torn rotator cuff to help promote healing response. Stem cells have the power to differentiate into other cell type such as does the build new tendon (these cells are called tenocytes).
Adipose is often injected in combination with PRP to maximize the body’s healing response. This combination of treatments can help heal damaged tissue and avoid surgery for many, conditions including knee osteoarthritis and rotator cuff disease.
Bone Marrow Stem Cells
Another source of regenerative cells is found in the bone marrow. Bone-marrow can be harvested using a special technique and then this tissue, which contains high concentrations of stem cells and healing growth factors, can be injected in 2 sites where there is disease such as hip osteoarthritis for a meniscal tear in the knee. This is the most powerful regenerative medicine technique available today. When PRP and or ASCs do not provide adequate healing response, bone marrow can be harvested from the patient and injected where it is needed to promote healing.