Stem Cell Treatments Vs Joint Surgery?

Joint issues caused by injury and arthritis can be challenging to treat. While conventional methods like physical therapy, over-the-counter medication, and lifestyle adjustments may help patients find some relief, oftentimes the pain lingers and the condition worsens over time. Patients seeking a lasting solution are sometimes recommended for full joint replacement, but the process is invasive, and as with any procedure, comes with potential risks and complications. Moreover, complete joint replacements aren’t always successful, and when they are, they may not last the duration of a patient’s lifetime. Here we talk about Stem Cell Treatments Vs Joint Surgery.

Understandably, medical experts have long been searching for an alternative for joint surgery. Now, it’s appeared in the form of stem cell treatments. 

Why Stem Cell Treatments Instead of Joint Surgery?

The issues described above raise concerns about joint surgery. Surgeon Anthony Miniaci, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic explains that patients in their 50s may ultimately wind up needing multiple replacements for the same joint, so the objective is often to delay surgery when possible. In addition to age, factors such as severity, location on the body, and weight may be assessed to determine whether the operation can be put off. 

In lieu of surgery, however, patients still need an effective form of relief. Stem cell therapy is one promising alternative. This treatment uses stem cells, which act as the body’s natural healing mechanism, to restore compromised tissues through powerful repair processes and the formation of new, specialized tissue. The cells can self-renew and transform into virtually any cell type in the body. Treatment is non-invasive and simply encompasses injections instead of full-blown surgery. 

Experts are using stem cell therapy in joints commonly affected by injury or arthritis, including the hips and knees. Some doctors, including a specialist at the Mayo Clinic, believes the treatment doesn’t just delay the need for surgery in some cases but may prevent it altogether. As stem cell therapy has widely been deemed safe and effective in numerous clinical studies, it offers a viable option for patients who want the relief that surgery could bring without the pain, long recovery period, and potential complications. 

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