Joint pain doesn’t have to mean the end of your active lifestyle. Regenerative medicine offers groundbreaking therapies designed to repair and preserve joints naturally, minimizing the need for surgery. Learn how these innovative treatments are reshaping the future of joint care and keeping patients active.
What is Regenerative Orthopedics?
Regenerative medicine is a cutting-edge field in healthcare that focuses on repairing damaged tissues by harnessing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. These treatments can address both acute injuries such as ligament and tendon tears and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. By integrating regenerative medicine into joint care, patients can achieve better mobility, reduced discomfort, and prolonged joint health.
Key Treatments in Regenerative Medicine for Joints
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy uses a concentration of the patient’s own platelets, rich in growth factors, to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. By injecting PRP directly into the joint or injured area, it promotes the activation of reparative cells and pathways, which can significantly reduce pain and improve joint function. PRP is widely used for osteoarthritis, ligament repair, and tendon injuries.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells extracted from bone marrow or fat tissue are injected into the affected joint to repair cartilage, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of degeneration. These cells can differentiate into cartilage cells and release proteins that encourage tissue healing. Stem cell therapy is especially valuable for osteoarthritis and as an adjunct to surgical procedures.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M)
A2M is a protein that inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes present in osteoarthritic joints. Concentrated from the patient’s blood and injected into the joint, A2M reduces inflammation and slows disease progression, offering a new avenue for managing arthritis.
Viscosupplementation
This technique involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural component of joint fluid and cartilage, into the affected joint. HA improves joint lubrication and reduces friction, alleviating stiffness and pain. Depending on the severity of degeneration, HA injections can be combined with other therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for enhanced results.
REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant
The REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant is a minimally invasive, bioabsorbable implant designed to treat rotator cuff tears by stimulating natural tendon regeneration. This innovative implant, which is about the size of a postage stamp, encourages early healing and helps prevent the progression of rotator cuff disease. With shorter recovery times and reduced risk of re-tears, it offers a promising solution for preserving shoulder function and accelerating return to daily activities.
Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR)
The BEAR is the first of its kind, allowing your body to heal its own ACL through the use of a resorbable protein-based implant. The implant serves as a bridge between the torn ends of the ACL allowing it to form a blood clot and heal on its own.
Personalized Care for Joint Preservation
Each patient's condition and lifestyle are unique, making it crucial to have a tailored treatment plan. As an experienced regenerative specialist, Dr. Mithoefer can determine the most effective biologic option, ensuring the best outcomes for joint preservation and overall mobility.
If you are looking for innovative ways to address joint issues and maintain your mobility, consult Dr. Mithoefer to discover how these advanced options could align with your unique treatment goals.
AUTHOR: Dr. Kai Mithoefer is board-certified in both Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic sports medicine specialist. Dr. Mithoefer is an internationally recognized specialist for complex shoulder and knee injuries with over 15 years of experience with the treatment of sports-related injuries. Dr. Mithoefer practices at Boston Bone and Joint Institute and has published more than 100 scientific articles and book chapters and is a frequent speaker at national and international orthopedic meetings.
