Osteoarthritis is a rheumatic pathology that damages the articular cartilage.  By joining two bones through the joint capsule, the joints are able to move, providing us with functional autonomy. An inner fluid called synovial fluid is usually found within joints, which is produced by the synovial membrane.  Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones that form the joint.  As a result of damage to this articular cartilage, pain, stiffness, and functional impairment occur. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, usually beginning between the ages of 40 and 50, affecting to some degree almost everyone over the age of 80. Typically, osteoarthritis affects the spine, shoulders, fingers, hips, knees, and toe joints.

Stem cell therapies have the potential to treat a broad spectrum of diseases. Whether it’s rhizarthrosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, or heart disease. By utilizing stem cells, regenerative medicine is capable of repairing tissues in affected areas.  The main difference between lipo gem therapy and other treatments for osteoarthritis is that lipogem therapy regenerates cartilage, avoids surgery and its sequelae, and improves the quality of life for patients.

The potential for medical treatments with stem cells and their by-products is currently very high.  In the field of sports medicine and traumatology, one of the most outstanding advances has been made for the first time in decades recently: Spanish scientists have achieved a degree of tendon regeneration in 100% of injured patients, resulting in a decrease in pain and a return to sport within two months, and just six months after the trial was completed.

A research performed by the Institute of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (ITRT), published by the prestigious American Journal of Sports Medicine. Demonstrates how this therapy regenerates chronic lesions in the patellar tendon and opens up a new therapeutic option for this tissue, which was considered impossible to regenerate.

In most patients, fat tissue can be harvested minimally invasively (under local or general anesthesia), providing a highly viable MSC population regardless of donor age. Similar to MSCs derived from other tissues, adipose tissue-derived MSCs have regenerative potential. As osteoarthritis is a very common joint disease, and knee osteoarthritis is the most common form, it is necessary to review scientific literature on osteoarthritis treatments with stem cells, like lipogems.

Lipogems Therapy

Lipogems therapy is a novel procedure that enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself through the innovative power of science and biotechnology. The Lipogems method involves injecting mesenchymal stem cells into the joints.  Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells have enormous regenerative potential. They also have a regenerative capacity independent of their age. Even older individuals can benefit from this procedure.

Injection of mesenchymal stem cells into the knee, particularly in the early stages of osteoarthritis, can stop the process of inflammation and degeneration, especially in the less advanced stages of the disease. In addition to preventing progressive physical deterioration of the articular cartilage, this treatment contributes significantly to a patient’s well-being and prevents the installation of knee prostheses.

Patellar tendinopathy, physiotherapeutic treatment and stem cell therapy

Injuries to the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia are known as patellar tendinopathy or patellar tendinitis. The patellar tendon works with the muscles in the front of the thigh to extend the knee so you can kick, run and jump. Athletes who perform frequent jumping in their sports, such as basketball and volleyball, are most likely to suffer from patellar tendonitis. However, people who don’t engage in jumping sports may develop patellar tendonitis. Patients with patellar tendinitis usually begin treatment with physical therapy to stretch and strengthen their knee muscles.

Strength training with eccentric resistance is one of the most common treatments for tendinopathies. Alternatively, it has been demonstrated that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can regenerate injured patellar tendons. Within six months of treatment, it has been observed that the structure of this tissue – which is always difficult to treat – is restored, reaching a regeneration of 40% in all injured persons, with a gradual improvement that eventually becomes complete.

It has been found that traditional management methods, including isometric or eccentric exercises, shock wave therapy, and even surgery, are not effective. As part of a rehabilitation program in chronic patellar tendinopathy, autologous expanded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) or leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP) may be effective in reducing pain and improving activity levels. Traditional management, which includes isometric or eccentric exercises, shock wave therapy, and even surgery, has limited success. A combination of autologous expanded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP) and rehabilitation may reduce pain and improve activity levels in active participants with chronic patellar tendinopathy. 

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