logo-sinw-white1
  • Home
  • Treatments
    • Minimally Invasive Laser Spinal Surgery
      • Endoscopically Assisted Spinal Decompression
      • Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Facet Fixation
      • Endoscopic Assisted Nerve Excision
      • Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery
      • Interlamina Implant
      • MIS FUSION SYSTEM
      • Vertebral Body Augmentation: Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty
    • Regenerative Medicine
    • Stem Cell Injection
    • Interventional Spinal Injection Techniques
    • Spinal Cord Stimulators
    • Non-Narcotic Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Pain
    • Pain Pump
    • Sports Medicine Clinic
    • Disc Replacement
  • About Us
    • Doctors
      • SOLOMON KAMSON, MD, PHD
      • DAVID HOU, MD
      • ALLAN KHANH DOAN, DPM
      • TONY PHAM, DO
      • YANQUN BU, ARNP
      • RICHARD ROONEY, MD, FACS
      • YELENA VERBITSKAYA, PA-C
    • Facilities
    • Training
      • UW School of Medicine
      • World Institute of Pain
    • Service Areas
      • Bellevue
      • Bellingham
      • Bothell
      • Everett
      • Gig Harbor
      • Kent
      • Kirkland
      • Seattle
      • Tacoma
      • Woodinville
    • Blog
    • Video FAQ
    • Contact Us
  • Research
    • Awards, Publications, and Presentations
    • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Outcomes
    • Research: Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion and Decompression Outcomes
  • Patient Portal
  • Disc Replacement
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
CALL NOW (206) 496-0630

Examining the Latest Trends in Knee Repair

June 5, 2016Solomon KamsonRegenerative Medicine

Injuries to the cartilage of the knee are among the most common injuries reported in the United States, especially in athletes. Even if you aren’t an athlete, a sudden movement that twists your leg in an odd way can all too easily damage the cartilage in your knee, leading to swelling, pain, and in severe cases, loss of movement.
knee replacement stem cells
Despite the prevalence of this type of knee injury, treatment options have been limited. In cases where cartilage is severely torn or where cartilage has been lost, it may be impossible for the cartilage to ever completely heal. (Minor tears can generally heal on their own). Athletes with knee injuries may suffer from long-term problems that can affect their ability to play their sport, and even non-athletes can end up with chronic pain or limitations to their mobility.

There’s hope on the horizon. According to a recent article in Outpatient Surgery, patients may soon be able to access new options in regenerative therapies that repair the torn cartilage of the knee through the implantation of stem cells. This could help decrease pain from damaged or lost cartilage, slow the progress of arthritis, and postpone—or even prevent—the need for knee replacement surgery. Particularly for patients who thought they had run out of options in finding treatment, this is an exciting development.

Regenerative medicine is one of the most exciting areas in the healthcare field, with considerable research underway. Though regenerative therapies have become increasingly popular, many people remain unaware of these options because they are not yet widely available. The most notable application has been in sports medicine, where regenerative treatments like stem cell therapy and PRP have been used by a number of notable athletes like former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

How does it work? Stem cells taken from your own body can be directly implanted into the damaged tissue, encouraging healing, repair, and regrowth. Our bodies are always capable of healing, but some parts of the body regenerate more easily than others. For example, skin generally does not have trouble healing, while cartilage is much more difficult for your body to repair and replace. This is a major reason why the use of stem cell therapies for this tissue type could represent a significant breakthrough.

At the Spine Institute Northwest, we have been using stem cell therapies and platelet-rich plasma treatments in conjunction with minimally invasive procedures to encourage healing in patients with joint problems, degenerative discs, and more. Our new Sports Medicine Clinic is focused on treating patients with injuries like a torn meniscus or chronic issues like knee pain, helping them get back their lives and get back on the field. To learn more, call our Sports Medicine Clinic at 253-313-1801.

Tags: injuries, joint pain, regenerative medicine, regenerative therapies, research, sports medicine, stem cells

Related Articles

5 More Questions about Regenerative Therapy

November 1, 2016Solomon Kamson

“I Didn’t Need My Walker Any Longer!”: Kathleen Cowitz-Laski

September 7, 2016Solomon Kamson

Stem Cell therapies for Chronic Pain in the Clinic

December 28, 2016Solomon Kamson
Receive FREE MRI Review

Diagnose My Pain

Schedule An Appointment

Recent Posts

  • 6 Pilates Exercises for Back Pain Relief and Prevention
  • Back Pain and Backpacks
  • 7 Surprising Causes of Back Pain
  • Can Your Family History Predict Low Back Pain?
  • Your Posture’s Affect on Your Back Pain
EPP_Award joint-commission-seal_HiRes MRIsealhipaa_blue
  • Minimally Invasive Laser Spinal Surgery
    • Endoscopically Assisted Spinal Decompression
    • Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Facet Fixation
    • Endoscopic Assisted Nerve Excision
    • Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery
    • Interlamina Implant
    • MIS Fusion System
    • Vertebral Body Augmentation: Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty
  • Treatments
    • Regenerative Medicine
    • Interventional Spinal Injection Techniques
    • Spinal Cord Stimulators
    • Non-Narcotic Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Pain
    • Pain Pump
    • Sports Medicine Clinic
    • Disc Replacement
  • Additional Resources
    • About Us
    • Doctors
    • Facilities
    • Training
    • Recent Blog Posts
    • Video FAQ
    • Contact Us

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us |

COPYRIGHT © SPINE INSTITUTE NORTHWEST