Steve Mora MD
Orange County Orthopedic Surgeon Arthritis Specialist
I did some stem cell and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections today to treat a patient with severe arthritis. The stem cells were harvested from my patients pelvis bone. I use the Emcyte cell concentrating system provided by the company BioRich.
Harvesting the bone marrow is pretty straightforward. I numb the pelvis bone using a special technique that allows for a very comfortable harvest. The bone marrow is then spun numerous times in a high-speed centrifuge to create Bone Marrow Concentrare (BMC). The red blood cells are removed and the regenerative cells are concentrated. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is also added to the preparation. I use ultrasound to help me accurately inject the knee.
The whole procedure takes about 45 min. It can be done in a procedure room with or without light sedation. The patient today was able to comfortably walk out of the clinic with very little discomfort. The patient was told to limit his activities for the next two or three days.
Based on my experience patients feel improvement within 1 to 2 months.
Although we do not fully understand the mechanism of pain relief following these injections, it is theorized that the presence of specific cytokines in the BMC may alter the inflammatory environment and concomitantly decrease pain. In addition the growth factors released by the PRP may potentially act as recruiters for mesenchymal stem cells. By combining PRP and BMC the pain relieving effect is more effective. I’ve seen some great results following adult stem cell injections, as well as PRP and adipose cell transfer (Lipogems). Unfortunately the biggest hurdle for widespread use is from insurance companies failing to recognize it as a covered benefit. It’s just a matter of time. After all it took many years for anesthesia and antibiotics to become standard of care in America :).
About Steve A. Mora MD:
Dr. Mora is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center in Orange County.
He specializes in:
-Sports Trauma -Arthroscopy of the knee, shoulder, hip and elbow.
-Arthritis of the Knee
-Mixed Martial Arts Injuries
-First Responder Injuries
-Regenerative Medicine:Lipogems, Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Plasma therapy.
For a consultation please call Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center in the City of Orange 714-332-5498