Autologous, Allogenic and Artifical Stem Cells

At the Centeno Schultz Clinic we utilize a number of regenerative therapies which include bone marrow derived stem cells.

Regenexx utilizes a patient’s own bone marrow derived stem cells to treat common orthopedic conditions which include:

Knee osteoarthritis

Knee meniscus

Hip osteoarthritis

ACL injuries

Non-Union fractures of long bones.

Stem cells can be divided into two principal classes:  autologous vs allogenic.

Autologous cells are a patient’s own stem cells.  One individual is both  the donor and  the recipient

Allogenic cells are cells that are from someone else (here)

Artificial embryonic stem cells from natural cells are receiving increased attention.  There are two principal methods to create artificial stem cells:  IPSC(induced Pluripotent Stem Cells)  and STAP (Stimulus-Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency) which are discussed in Dr. Cenento’s video.

Deltoid Ligament: Medial Ankle Pain

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic stability is a central theme as outlined in Ortho 2.0.

The lateral ankle ligaments have been discussed in prior blog. Treatment of ankle sprains at the Centeno-Schultz Clinic includes a diagnostic MSK ultrasound where the ligaments visualized and their integrity assessed.  Treatment options for loose, partially torn or degenerative ligaments include prolotherapy, PRP and autolgous bone marrow derived stem cells.

A video discusses the use of stem cells as an alternative to ankle surgery.

15-20 % of all athletic injuries involve the ankle.  20-40% of ankle injuries will lead to chronic instability.

The deltoid ligament supports the medial side of the ankle joint and is composed of 3 principle ligaments.  They all attach at the medial malleolus.

Tibionavicular Ligament is the most anterior and inserts upon the navicular bone.

Tibiocalcaneal ligament is the middle ligament and inserts upon the sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus.

Posterior Tibiotalus are posterior fibers that connect to the talus.

An eversion sprain is a tear in the deltoid ligaments.  It occurs with excessive inward rotation and is often accompanied by a fracture of the fibula.

An ultrasound image of the tibiotalar  ligament is displayed below.

Orthopedic Stem Cells: How they work

At Centeno-Schultz Clinic we acknowledge the regenerative potential of stems cells in treating common orthopedic injuries.   Dr. Centeno authored a chapter on stem cell use in orthopedic injury.
Regenexx C & Regenexx SD are alternatives to knee surgeries.

How do stem cells work?

Three principal ways:  differentiation, paracrine affect and regulation of inflammation.

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent and can differentiate into cartilage, tendon, bone and ligament.

Paracrine means that mesenchymal stem cells release certain growth factors to assist in tissue repair.  Mesenchymal stem cells  can be viewed as construction managers as they recruit other cells to the local area and coordinate the repair of damaged tissue.  The growth factors include TGF-beta, VEGF and FGF.

Finally MSC’s have been demonstrated to regulate inflammation.  Inflammation is not all bad and is the first step in healing.