ASC – AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELLS
Our own tissues are rich in stem cells. When used therapeutically, they are called “autologous stem cells”. “Autologous” means donor and recipient are the same person. ASC are not embryonic stem cells; they are ‘adult’ stem cells, or more accurately, ‘tissue’ stem cells. The use of minimally manipulated autologous stem cells for orthopedic conditions is FDA-cleared; it is neither controversial nor dangerous. The use of ASC is legal and safe.
ASC can be harvested and injected into our own degenerated joints and ligaments. Upon contact with the degenerated joint surfaces or other damaged tissues, the stem cells are able to determine the damaged cells (a process called ‘homing’) and in turn, become new, healthy versions of those cells (a process called ‘differentiation’).
ASC THERAPY IS USED FOR:
• Severe, “bone-on-bone” arthritis
• Avascular necrosis
• Advanced degeneration of ligaments
ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS (ADSC)
Fat is very rich in stem cells; primarily mesenchymal stem cells. Fat harvesting for ADSC therapy is done with a very simple process called lipoaspiration. It is important to understand that lipoaspiration is vastly different from liposuction. Liposuction is performed by a plastic surgeon in a surgical suite using general anesthesia or sedation. Liposuction removes a very large volume of fat and is intended for a cosmetic result. Lipoaspiration uses a small amount of local anesthetic, a small instrument slightly larger than a hypodermic needle, removes a very small amount of fat (10 - 20cc), and does not render any visible change in appearance. The fat is then concentrated using a simple, sterile gravity method. The entire process is painless and takes under ten minutes. You can read more about this procedure here.
BONE MARROW ASPIRATE CONCENTRATE (BMAC)
Bone marrow contains stem cells; primarily hematopoietic stem cells. Bone marrow is harvested from the hip using local anesthetic and a specialized needle. It is important to understand that bone marrow harvesting for BMAC is vastly different from bone marrow harvesting for transfusion for cancer therapies. In bone marrow harvesting for transfusion, a hematologist, oncologist, or surgeon removes a very large amount of bone marrow. BMAC requires only a very small amount of bone marrow. Surprisingly, the procedure is not painful, takes under ten minutes, and causes only mild soreness afterward. It has an excellent safety profile.
Mesenchymal stem cells (from fat) differentiate into musculoskeletal tissues such as bone, ligament, muscle, tendon, and joint surface. Hematopoietic stem cells (from bone marrow) differentiate into blood vessels that are needed to nourish musculoskeletal structures and nerves. Platelet rich plasma contains key growth factors that activate the stem cells to generate new, healthy tissue. Therefore, for most procedures, we blend PRP, ADSC, and BMAC.
