This procedure was performed on September 18, 2009 at the Arthritis Treatment Center in Frederick, MD by Dr. Nathan Wei. The original post follows:
A Stem Cell Procedure for Osteoarthritis of the Knee, My Experience
I had a stem cell procedure on September 18, 2009 that is expected to alleviate some of the issues of my osteoarthritis (oa) by regrowing cartilage (and therefore NO knee replacement surgery). The formal name for the basic procedure is Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplant (AMSCT). My stem cells were harvested from the Iliac Crest in a procedure called Bone Marrow Aspiration and Concentration (BMAC). My procedure added the introduction of fat cells to stabilize the stem cells in the area of the existing cartilage of my knee.
I am excited about this procedure as an alternative to more invasive solutions. This procedure is performed in a (well equipped) office under local anesthesia in under 3 hours using the patients own tissue (no rejection). The patient walks out (on crutches), should be off them in a week and working back to full use of the knee after 3 weeks. The procedure is less expensive than full knee replacement, is low risk and can be repeated. Good for the insurance companies, the patients and the significant others that have to put up with the recovery.
If you have questions or comments – contact me: bruce at brucelerner dot com
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