DR. DEPAEPE
HOW EXACTLY DOES THIS STEM CELL THERAPY WORK
Knee osteoarthritis is associated with synovial inflammation, cartilage breakdown and bone remodeling. With stem cell therapy we attempt to control the pain caused by inflammation, stop the progression of cartilage breakdown and thus improve joint function. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes.
Stem cells stimulate vascularization, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and intervene in the regulation of inflammatory processes.
Classical liposuction of abdominal fat is performed using a standardized protocol to damage the stem cells as little as possible. The liposuction aspirate is washed several times in a centrifuge until a pure aspirate can finally be obtained, which is injected intra-articularly into the knee.
WHY IS ABDOMINAL FAT USED
- Stem cells from abdominal fat show a greater capacity for proliferation than other types of mesenchymal stem cells.
- Mesenchymal stem cells are very abundant in abdominal fat.
- Simple prelevance w.r.t. bone marrow cells because subcutaneous fatty tissue in the abdomen is very easily accessible and causes much less donor site morbidity than bone marrow punctures.
FOR WHOM?
Mainly patients between 40 and 70 years of age with symptomatic gonarthrosis and radiological grade 2 and 3 arthrosis. The exclusion criteria are grade 4 cartilage disease (bone-to-bone contact), severe varus or valgus axis abnormalities, morbid obesity, co-morbidity of rheumatic disease in the knee.
WHAT ARE THE PROVEN RESULTS?
In the first studies there is a clear improvement in pain scores and function scores. There is also a clear reduction in the inflammatory response in osteoarthritis. This means a clear reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms. In some reports there is a first report of a reduction in apoptosis of the chrondrocytes, but there is no proven evidence for the reduction of disease progression. However, no side effects have been documented to date.
COST
The treatment is done as a day hospital. The surcharge for the patient varies between 350 and 450 euros.
ARTICLE IN JAN PALFIJN NEWS
Frequently asked questions
Orthopedisch chirurg – AZ Jan Palfijn Gent
Specialized in shoulder and knee surgery
The information on this page was prepared by Dr. Yves Depaepe and is intended as general medical information. Always consult your doctor for a personalized treatment plan.