Pitfalls of ACL surgical reconstruction: Consider Stem Cell Therapy

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic we understand that injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be a game changer.

Repair of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears with stem cells  is an alternative to traditional surgery.

Regenexx SD utilizes a patient’s own stem cells to repair ACL injuries.  Case reports have demonstrated the successful repair of ACL injuries without surgery utilizing a patient’s own stem cells.

The anterior cruciate ligament is the most commonly injured ligament in the United States with a prevalence of 100, 000-200,000 case per year.  There are in excess of 150,000 ACL reconstructions performed per year.

A surgically repaired ACL is not like the original ACL.

What are the risks associated with surgical repair of ACL tears?

-Infection

–Graft failure ranges from 3-27%.

–Development of osteoarthritis ranges from 51-78%

-Failure to restore movement back to pre-injury baseline.

–Increased cartilage load and higher risk of re-injury

-Significant postoperative physical therapy

Bottom Line:  Know that there are non operative options utilizing your own stem cells to repair ACL injuries.

Effect of Amide Local Anesthetics on Stem Cell Viability: Patient BEWARE !

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic ongoing research and publication is a cornerstone of the practice.

Multiple articles have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

A new article just published examined the effect of amide type local anesthetics on human mesenchymal stem cell viability and adhesion.

Why?

Local anesthetic are commonly utilized in joint and injections.  Local anesthetics combined with high dose steroids are commonly injected into the joint.  The local anesthetic provides numbing which gives the patient several hours of pain relief.

Do the injected local anesthetics affect stem cells?

Four amide local anesthetics were examined in varying concentrations:  ropivacaine, lidocaine, bupivacaine and mepivacine.

Each anesthetic in different concentrations was incubated with human mesenchymal stem cells for 40 minutes, 120 minutes and 360 minutes and 24 hours.  Cell viability was assessed at each time point.

Conclusions

Extended treatment with local anesthetics for 24 hours or more had signficant impact on both stem cell viability and adhesion.

Stem cells treated with lidocaine, bupivacaine and mepivacine resulted in cell death via apopotosis after brief exposures.

Amide local anesthetics induce stem cells apoptosis(cell death) in a time and dose dependent manner.

Bottom Line

Patient beware!  Know that injected local anesthetics can negatively impact your repair cells.  If you medical provider wants to inject your joint ask why and with what acknowledging that your repair cells and cartilage are at risk of damage.